Sele Has Poor Outing as Rangers Lose, 7-3

In his last start before opening the playoffs against New York or Boston, Texas pitcher Aaron Sele struggled against the Seattle Mariners at Arlington, Texas.

Sele gave up six runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings as the Mariners ended the Rangers’ five-game winning streak, 7-3.

Sele (18-9) wasn’t able to get loose on a chilly, 60-degree night, walking three and hitting two batters in a four-run first inning.

“Aaron was doing toe-touches behind the mound, which is uncharacteristic for him,” Ranger Manager Johnny Oates said. “His legs felt tight. I don’t know, maybe it was the coolness tonight.”

Oates he wasn’t concerned about Sele, who had won 11 of his previous 13 decisions.

“The guy has given us seven, eight innings almost every time out,” Oates said.

“He just couldn’t get the ball where he wanted to tonight.”

Sele still is confident going into the playoffs despite his shortest outing since a five-inning stint July 3--also against Seattle.

“I can’t be disappointed in the way the season has gone,” said Sele, who had gone 15 consecutive starts of six or more innings. “Tonight was an anomaly with the way the season has gone.”

Edgar Martinez and Charles Gipson drove in two runs each for Seattle.

Detroit 6, Minnesota 3--Dave Mlicki pitched seven strong innings, and Karim Garcia and Frank Catalanotto homered for the Tigers at Minneapolis.

Garcia hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning and Catalanotto added a solo shot in the sixth for the Tigers, who have won five in a row.

After giving up three unearned runs in the first inning, Mlicki (14-12) pitched six scoreless innings to win for the ninth time in his last 11 starts.

He scattered eight hits, struck out five and walked one.

Toronto 6, Tampa Bay 2--Kelvim Escobar tied a season-high with nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings and Tony Fernandez had a pair of RBI singles for the Blue Jays at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Shawn Green went four for four with a walk for Toronto. He reached base eight times in 10 plate appearances during the two-game series, had five RBIs and scored five times.

Tampa Bay has lost 11 of its last 13 home games. The Devil Rays (68-91) need to win two of three this weekend from the New York Yankees to become the fourth expansion team to reach 70 wins in their first or second season.

New York at Baltimore, ppd.--The Yankees’ bid to clinch their second straight AL East title was delayed by rain. The game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader today.

Around the League

The Texas Rangers’ highly rated bullpen received a blow when left-hander Mike Munoz broke his right foot in an accident at home. Munoz dropped a computer monitor on his foot Wednesday afternoon. X-rays revealed the break. However, the Rangers hope Munoz will be able to pitch in the playoffs with some type of support on the foot.