Tigers 2, Rays 0
Austin Jackson knocked in two runs and Doug Fister pitched seven shutout innings as the visiting Detroit Tigers edged the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Thursday.
Jackson led off the game with a homer, his seventh of the season, and added a sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Fister (6-13) gave up five hits and struck out five, improving to 3-1 since being acquired by Detroit.
The Rays put two runners on with one out in the ninth against Jose Valverde, but he earned his 38th save in 38 opportunities. Sam Fuld lined out to right field and Matt Joyce, running on the pitch, was doubled off at first.
Tampa Bay starter Jeremy Hellickson (11-9) allowed six hits and two runs in seven innings. Hellickson became the first player in franchise history to strike out four batters in one inning – in the third. It was the 58th time in major league history a pitcher accomplished the feat.
Desmond Jennings, Casey Kotchman and Fuld each had a pair of hits for the Rays, who lost three of four in the series.
Wilson Betemit had two hits for the Tigers, but was denied an RBI on his single in the sixth when Joyce threw out Victor Martinez at the plate from right field.
Tigers’ first baseman Miguel Cabrera missed the game on paternity leave. He is expected to rejoin the team Friday in Minnesota.