The Indians (31-35) received a solid performance from starter Carlos Carrasco, who allowed three runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings, but his effort went for naught. Carrasco gave up two of Tampa Bay's home runs: a solo shot to Joey Butler in the first inning and another solo blast by Cabrera in the second. Jake Elmore added a sacrifice fly off Carrasco in the seventh to give the Rays some insurance.
For Cabrera, it marked his first game against his former team since being traded by Cleveland last July.
Karns picked up a win for the American League East-leading Rays (39-30) by logging 5 1/3 innings, limiting the Tribe to one run on six hits and ending with four strikeouts and a walk.