Tigers 5, Rays 2
Miguel Cabrera and Austin Jackson each had four hits and visiting Detroit racked up 15 overall while winning the opener of a four-game series.
Cabrera had two RBIs, including a ninth-inning homer, and Max Scherzer struck out seven in six-plus innings as the Tigers ended a two-game losing streak while Tampa Bay matched a season-high four-game skid.
Detroit defeated James Shields (7-5) for the first time as the Rays pitcher allowed a career-worst 14 hits – matching the franchise record – along with four runs in 7 2/3 innings. The right-hander dropped to 5-1 in nine career starts against the Tigers.
Scherzer (7-5) allowed two runs and four hits and was removed after issuing his second walk to start the seventh. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 17 opportunities.
Detroit tallied twice during a five-hit third inning on a run-scoring single by Delmon Young and an RBI double into the left field corner by Alex Avila.
The Tigers increased the lead to 3-0 in the fourth, when Brennan Boesch scored from third as Rays first baseman Carlos Pena bobbled Quintin Berry’s one-out dribbler.
Tampa Bay got on the board in the fifth on a single to center by Elliot Johnson.
Cabrera laced a run-scoring single to center in the sixth to make it 4-1.
Tampa Bay pulled within two in the bottom of the seventh, when Brooks Conrad doubled against Detroit reliever Phil Coke and Berry misplayed the ball in left field to allow Jeff Keppinger to score.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Jackson is 10-for-21 with eight runs scored over the last five games. … Shields allowed double digits in hits for the third time this season. … Cabrera is batting .500 in 26 career at-bats against Shields. … Tampa Bay is just 8-15 over its last 23 home games.