BASEBALL MISCELLANY

NUMBERS

The New York Mets, who have reeled off eight winning streaks of five or more games, clinched the National League East title in their 145th game. Only the 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates, in 144 games, and the 1975 Cincinnati Reds, in 142, won a division title in fewer games.

That once great Baltimore Orioles pitching staff, which produced 21 winners of 20 or more games between 1969 and 1980, has produced only one since: Mike Boddicker in 1984.

The Orioles’ Fred Lynn has missed 41 games with injuries and illnesses, including all 10 against the Detroit Tigers, who have won nine of them.

Don Mattingly’s hit pace projected to 238 through Thursday, which would break the New York Yankees’ record of 231, set by Earle Combs in 1927.

The St. Louis Cardinals have used nine cleanup hitters, primarily because Jack Clark has been out since June 24 with torn ligaments in his right thumb. Clark, who has missed at least six weeks in each of the last three seasons, is eligible for free agency but has indicated that he will accept a one-year contract to stay in St. Louis. Look for the Cardinals to take him up on it.

The Chicago Cubs’ Scott Sanderson needs three more starts to qualify for a $100,000 bonus, but he has been moved to the bullpen. Toronto’s Dennis Lamp needs six more appearances to qualify for a guaranteed 1987 salary of $600,000, but he hasn’t pitched since Sept. 2. The Blue Jays can buy out ’87 for $100,000 if Lamp doesn’t get the appearances. The players’ association is looking into both cases and may file grievances.

Boston’s Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd, who went 0-3 after returning from a midseason suspension, is 4-0 in his last six starts. The line: 35 strikeouts, 6 walks, 14 earned runs in 47 innings. And in their last 16 starts, the Red Sox’s Boyd, Roger Clemens and Bruce Hurst are 13-0.

The Texas Rangers went 65 games without a complete game by a starting pitcher until Charlie Hough pitched one Friday night. The American League record was 50. The major league record is 74 by the 1977 San Diego Padres. The young Ranger hurlers had also thrown 88 wild pitches through Thursday, three shy of the major league record set by the Houston Astros in 1970. And two wild pitches by Texas rookie Bobby Witt Tuesday gave him 22 and a major league record. Walter Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Earl Wilson had been tied at 21.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ Mike Schmidt is closing in on his eighth home run title. Only Babe Ruth won more, nine.

Detroit’s Walt Terrell is 1-3, having permitted 24 earned runs in 24 innings, since beating the Angels on a one-hitter Aug. 20. He is also said to be on the trading block as the Tigers pursue outfield help. Said Terrell, of his status: “Let’s put it this way. I was going to buy a house here but not anymore.”