Finley Reaches Strikeout Mark

Chuck Finley has always been a strikeout pitcher, but it wasn’t until Monday night, near the end of his 11th major-league season, that the Angel left-hander reached the milestone that is considered the measuring stick for power pitchers--a 200-strikeout season.

When Seattle’s Rich Amaral swung at a low forkball for strike three to lead off the game, it marked the first time Finley, 33, has struck out 200.

Finley, who began the game ranked third in the league in strikeouts, is the first Angel to strike out 200 since Mike Witt (208) and Kirk McCaskill (202) in 1986. He’s also the first left-hander to strike out 200 since Frank Tanana struck out 205 in 1977.

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The Seattle Mariners could set an unofficial record for air travel next week by playing four games in four days in four cities in two different time zones.

Seattle closes the regular season Sunday in Oakland, but if necessary, the Mariners would travel to Cleveland for a makeup game Monday. If, after the Cleveland game, the Mariners and Texas Rangers are tied for first in the American League West, they would meet in Seattle for a one-game playoff Tuesday.

If the Mariners win that game, they would open the best-of-five division series in New York on Wednesday night.

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The Angels have asked the Orioles for permission to talk to hitting coach Rick Down, 48, about their managerial opening after the season, the Baltimore Sun reported.