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.

By focusing less on swinging for power and more on swinging to hit, Colt Keith is finding success this season.