Max Scherzer helped the Tigers defeat the Rays on Friday night, improving to 12-0 this season.

Scherzer is the first starting pitcher to start a season 12-0 since Roger Clemens did so in 1986.

"It's really nice to be 12-0," said Scherzer, who allowed three runs, four hits, walked one and struck out nine in seven innings to become the first pitcher in Tigers history to win his first 12 decisions.

"I'm pitching well, but the reason I'm 12-0 is because of my offense," he added. "You got to see firsthand today the best player in the game hitting two home runs on three pitches and going 4 for 4. And Prince hits a bomb. It's the offense that set me up."