DETROIT – Ryan Raburn hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the sixth inning and the Detroit Tigers held on to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Wednesday, avoiding a series sweep.
Justin Verlander (13-7) gave up one run and six hits while striking out seven over six innings. Ryan Perry pitched 1 2-3 innings of scoreless relief and Jose Valverde allowed a run before earning his 22nd save in 23 chances.
Matt Garza (11-7) gave up three runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings. He is winless in three starts since his no-hitter July 26 against Detroit.
Miguel Cabrera hit a leadoff double off Garza in the second inning and scored on Brandon Inge's single. Matt Joyce's single in the sixth made it 1-all after Evan Longoria led off with a triple.
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