Keith did get out Tuesday, punching on three pitches in his first at-bat against Ryan Pepiot. But the stubble will get a chance to keep growing. He walked in the third, slapped an RBI single to the opposite side in the fifth and then walloped a go-ahead home run to right in the seventh inning as the Tigers beat the Rays 4-2.

DETROIT — Colt Keith’s beard is getting really itchy. While the Detroit Tigers’ utility infielder says it’s the longest he’s ever grown out his beard, there’s still a positive — it means he’s hitting well.

Colt Keith broke a 2-2 tie with a long, two-run homer to right field, giving the Tigers a second straight win over the Rays on Tuesday.