Wilson Ramos' three-run homer capped a five-run third inning as the Rays topped the Tigers 5-2 in St. Pete.
Willy Adames and Kevin Kiermaier also plated runs for Tampa Bay, which will try for a three-game sweep this afternoon.
Jose Alvarado picked up the win and Sergio Romo notched his 10th save.
Nicholas Castellanos and Niko Goodrum drove in runs in the ninth for Detroit, which has dropped three in-a-row and six of its last eight.
Matthew Boyd was charged with the loss after giving up five runs on four hits while striking out eight in six innings.
In this afternoon's series finale, Jordan Zimmermann goes to the mound for the Tigers while the Rays counter with Hunter Wood.