Although it rained, it was a good day for the Royals. Kansas City defeated Boston 4-0 in a game that was called after five innings due to rainy weather in Fort Myers.
Kansas City starter Bill Butler held the Red Sox to one hit in five innings, walking none and striking out three batters.
On offense, Kansas City was led by third baseman Joe Foy, who belted a two-run home run in the fifth against his old team. The Royals scored single runs in the third and fourth innings, as well. Pat Kelly scored two runs on the day, while Jerry Adair and Hawk Taylor each picked up RBIs. All the Royals’ offense came at the expense of Red Sox starter Ken Brett.
Off the field, the Royals added shortstop Juan Rios to the roster. Rios had been picked by Montreal in the 1968 Rule V draft. The Royals simply purchased him from the Expos. Rios was expected to serve as a utility infielder for Kansas City. However, after he hit .224/.262/.276 in 208 plate appearances in 1969, Rios would not play in the major leagues again.
Today’s birthdays: None