Jeff Niemann picked up a sixth straight win Thursday by holding the Royals to one run in 6 1/3 innings. Niemann gave up nine hits, but all were singles, and the Rays won 4-1 despite being outhit 11-7. Niemann improved to 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA. He'll have a tougher assignment next week in Boston. He shut out the Red Sox for eight innings in his lone start against them this season, but that was at home. He has an 8.31 ERA in two career starts at Fenway.