The Royals ranked third-best in MLB last season in an area they're currently struggling.

Last month, the Detroit Tigers continued their recent dominance of Kansas City by sweeping a three-game series.

Michael Wacha allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings, Bobby Witt Jr. sped his way to a two-run inside-the-park homer and Michael Massey broke things open with a conventional three-run shot Saturday night as the Kansas City Royals beat the scuffling Detroit Tigers 5-1 at Kauffman Stadium.

In the ninth, Royals closer Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff double. He also avoided serious injury after colliding with catcher Elias Diaz — who had subbed in for Jensen — while both were racing to catch a popup bunt in front of the plate. The Royals finished 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

The Kansas City Royals have had a disappointing start to the season, but they're still only two games out of first place in the NL Central at 19-22. If their pitching staff performs to its capability moving forward,

Detroit Tigers score: "Pitching chaos" couldn't keep the Royals from scoring 5 runs and handing the Tigers their fifth straight loss on Saturday.