The Detroit Tigers (43-66) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (57-50) 9-1 on Saturday night in Detroit.

Yu Chang hit a homer in the second inning to give the Rays an early 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, that would be the only Rays offense on the night and the Tigers would take control of this game late.

After getting two runs in the fifth inning to take the lead for the first time, Detroit erupted for five runs in the seventh inning to put this game out of reach. Harold Castro was key in both innings, coming through with a RBI single in the fifth and a RBI double in the seventh en route to a 3-for-4 night with two RBI and two runs scored.

With the game out of reach, the Rays sent Yu Chang - who had started the game at DH - into pitch. Jonathan Schoop hit a two-run blast off him to make the final score 9-1.

Shane McClanahan (10-5, 2.24) took the loss after allowing four earned runs on six hits while striking out three and walking none in six and one-third innings of work. He gave way in the ill-fated seventh inning to Jimmy Yacabonis, who the Rays claimed off waivers from the Marlins earlier in the week. He allowed three more runs on three hits wile getting the final two outs of the seventh.

The Rays will be looking to win the four game series against the Tigers when they meet in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. First pitch in Detroit on Sunday is scheduled for 1:40 PM - Neil Solondz begins pregame coverage with This Week In Rays Baseball at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Ron And JP