The Royals’ offensive woes continued, as they were shut out by Detroit for the second straight game. The Tigers cruised to a 7-0 win at Municipal Stadium.

Two days after being held scoreless on four hits, the Royals could only manage two hits against Detroit’s Earl Wilson, who struck out seven and walked one in the complete-game shutout. Wilson improved his record to 6-5 with the win.

There was little no-hit drama, as Ellie Rodriguez singled with one out in the third. However, after a bunt moved Rodriguez to second, he was picked off to end the inning.

Kansas City’s next baserunner was also wiped out on the bases. Pat Kelly doubled with one out in the fourth but was caught stealing for the second out. Kelly would also be the Royals’ final baserunner when he drew a walk in the seventh, but was stranded at first.

Royals starter Roger Nelson allowed just two hits in the first four innings, but the roof caved in during the fifth inning, when Detroit scored all seven of their runs. Everything started with a one-out walk to Bill Freehan. A Tommy Matchick single and a walk to Wilson loaded the bases. Nelson struck out Mickey Stanley looking, but could not get the final out he needed to end the inning. Dick McAuliffe cleared the bases with a triple. Al Kaline singled and Detroit took a 4-0 lead.

Reliever Tom Burgmeier fared no better, as Norm Cash singled and Jim Northrup blasted a three-run home run before Burgmeier got the last out of the inning.

With the loss, the Royals fell to 24-34 on the season. They were in fifth place in the AL West, 7.5 games behind the teams tied for first, Oakland and Minnesota.

Box score and play-by-play: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA196906150.shtml

Today’s birthdays: Bruce Dal Canton (1941), Erik Kratz (1980)