Win/Loss Pitcher Determination

Question
I have question about determining the winning/losing/saves for a pitcher. When determining the winning pitcher, is it simply the pitcher of record when the team takes the lead? For instance; if a pitcher throws two scoreless innings; then a new pitcher comes in after the team scores one run in the bottom of the 2nd inning; no other runs are scored; who is the winning pitcher? Starting pitcher or relief pitcher that pitches 4 scoreless innings?

Thanks, Rob

Answer
Rob,

In your scenario, the winning pitcher would be the starter because he was still the pitcher of record when the runs were scored.  A pitching changes does not occur until the pitcher takes the mound.  HOWEVER, there is a ruling on starters.  In the MLB, a starter must go 5 innings to qualify for a win.  A starter might go 4 innings and leave with a 12-0 lead, but he doesn't get the win. The pitcher that comes in for him would actually get the win.

In high school they play 7 innings and I believe the ruling is 3 or 4 innings for the starter to qualify.  In youth leagues, I always considered 3 innings to be the qualification for designating a win for the starter.

As far as a save, a pitcher qualifies for a save if he finishes the game in which his team is ahead by 3 runs are less when he enters the game. A save can be obtained if the pitcher enters the game say in the 7th with a 2 run lead.  Let's say his team scores 8 runs in the 8th to make it a 10 run lead.  The pitcher finishes the game and should be credited with a save because of the status of the game when he entered.

So just remember, the pitcher of record gets tabbed with the win is he is pitcher of record when the lead is taken and then the lead is maintained until the win.  A pitcher gets tabbed with loss if he is pitcher of record responsible for the runs scored that cause the loss.

For instance, it may be a 1-1 game in the 9th and the starter gives up a leadoff hit.  Coach pulls him for reliever and this follows: stolen base (runner to 2B), sac bunt (1 out with runner to 3rd), groundout (FC 2 out with run scored, strikeout (3 outs). Score now 2-1 your team doesn't score in bottom of 9th, your team loses 2-1.  The starter gets the loss because the batter that he was responsible for giving the hit to lead off the inning scored the go ahead run.

I hope this helps.

Coach Boss