Kris Bubic went seven strong innings, Hunter Dozier and MJ Melendez had late-inning RBI and the Kansas City Royals beat Tampa Bay 4-2 on Sunday, winning a series against the Rays for the first time in five years.
Dozier snapped a 2-all tie with two outs in the seventh when he singled off Brooks Raley (1-1) to score Whit Merrifield. Melendez added an insurance run with a double down the left-field line in the eighth.
The Royals overcame the loss of Bobby Witt Jr. for their first series win against the Rays since 2017.
Bubic (2-6) tied a season high by pitching seven innings. He gave up two runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four.
Taylor Clarke got his second save of the season.
The Royals continue their homestand when they host the Angels on Monday with right-hander Zack Greinke (3-6, 4.64 ERA) getting the start at 7:10.