Mlicki’s Success Unique for Tigers

While Dave Mlicki might laugh at the notion he’s the ace of Detroit’s pitching staff, he’s the only Tiger starter with a victory in nearly a month.

Mlicki won his third consecutive start and Dean Palmer drove in two runs as the Tigers defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 3-1, Tuesday night for their fifth victory in their last 20 games.

Mlicki (8-10) gave up one run and five hits in seven innings, struck out five and walked two. He has won four of his last five decisions for the only victories by a Tiger starter since Brian Moehler beat Boston July 23.

“I think we’re seeing a guy that’s getting a chance for a long period of time to keep going out there,” Detroit Manager Larry Parrish said. “It looks like he’s gained confidence from that. He’s pitching with more confidence now than he was earlier.”

Mlicki didn’t allow a runner past first base after the Devil Rays scored in the second inning.

Palmer homered and hit a run-scoring double for Detroit, which ended a three-game losing streak and stopped Tampa Bay’s winning streak at three games.

Bobby Witt (7-9) lost despite his third complete game. He gave up three runs and eight hits and had three strikeouts and three walks.