Alex Cobb pitched seven scoreless innings to help the Tampa Bay Rays defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 and avoid three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium.

Cobb scattered six hits while striking out two without issuing a walk.

Mike Aviles doubled while Eric Hosmer and Melky Cabrera picked up hits for the Royals who had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Felipe Paulino (1-4) tossed 5 2/3 innings in defeat, giving up four runs on seven hits while fanning six and walking a pair.

The Royals begin a four-game series inBoston tonight with Kyle Davies (1-9) facing Jon Lester (10-4). Royals pre-game at 5:35pm on KAYS.