Casali-who was traded from the Tigers to the Rays while still in the minors in 2013 for pitcher Kyle Lobstein-hit two home runs against his former parent franchise, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-2 win over the Tigers at Tropicana Field.
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Price gives the Tigers a big advantage in this game, espescially when he was teammates with majority of this Tampa Bay roster, so he has an idea of how to pitch to him.
Brad Boxberger pitched the ninth for his 25th save.
Curt Casali hit a pair of homers, helping the Rays take down the Tigers on Monday.
Victor Martinez has the lone hit for the Tigers, who have never faced Karns.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, July 27, 2015, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
For Casali, who had three hits and drove in three runs, it was the third straight start in place of regular Rene Rivera, who is hitting only.176.
“We didn’t do a whole lot offensively, but we came within one late in the eighth”, said Detroit manager Brad Ausmus.
Sanchez threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs – all earned – on eight hits. “Unfortunately the two-run homer (from Casali) in the bottom of the eighth kind of put the nail in the coffin”.
The Detroit Tigers need a win after losing five of their last seven games.
Kiermaier left the game in the sixth inning with an abrasion of his left eye.
The Rays got a boost after the game with news that shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (groin) would be activated from the disabled list, with rookie utilityman Jake Elmore optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room.
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Casali has four home runs in the last five games in which he has batted. The Rays also oppose Tigers RHP Justin Verlander on Wednesday, just the second time the team has faced Cy Young Award winners in back-to-back games. The Tampa Bay Rays have split their last 10 home games.
