| There are certain baseball rules that apply when | | | | And he qualifies under one of the following |
| determining if a pitcher has earned a save in the | | | | conditions: |
| score book. | | | | · The pitcher enters the game with a lead |
| As written in the Official Major League Baseball | | | | of no more than three runs, and records at least |
| baseball rule book, the rules for recording for a | | | | one out. For example, a pitcher coming in a game |
| save are as follows: | | | | to pitch 2 innings and preserving a 4 run lead to |
| Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all | | | | finish the game, does not gain a save for his |
| three of the following conditions: | | | | efforts. |
| (1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his | | | | · The pitcher enters the game, regardless |
| club; and | | | | of the count, with the potential tying run on base, |
| (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and | | | | at bat or on deck. The potential tying run must |
| (3) He qualifies under one of the following | | | | be on base or one of the first two batters faced. |
| conditions: | | | | · A pitcher can also record a save by |
| (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more | | | | recording at least three effective innings to close |
| than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; | | | | out a game, at the discretion of the official scorer. |
| or | | | | Other important points to remember: |
| (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, | | | | A relief pitcher cannot create or cause his own |
| with the potential tying run either on base, or at | | | | save situation. |
| bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is | | | | A blown save is when a pitcher enters a game in |
| either already on base or is one of the first two | | | | any of these situations and allows either the tying |
| batsmen he faces); or | | | | or go-ahead run to score. |
| (c) He pitches effectively for at least three | | | | For example: A pitcher comes in the game in the |
| innings. No more than one save may be credited | | | | 3rd inning with his team up by 2 runs. The pitcher |
| in each game. | | | | pitches the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings but is pulled |
| To make simple to understand, I have stated | | | | with 2 outs left in the final inning, the bottom of |
| each rule below as clearly as I can: | | | | the 6th inning. He can not get the save because |
| 1. The pitcher must be the last to appear in a | | | | he did not finish the game and he did not pitch at |
| game won by his team. A pitcher can not qualify | | | | least three innings. Any pitcher that pitches in a |
| to receive a save unless the pitcher is the game | | | | "set-up" role between the winning pitcher and the |
| finishing pitcher for his team in the game. | | | | pitcher finishing the game can not record a save |
| 2. The pitcher is not the winning pitcher. Winning | | | | because he did not finish the game. |
| pitchers can only be recorded with a win. A | | | | Thanks for taking the time to read my article. I |
| pitcher receiving a save must not be the pitcher | | | | hope that you found it informative. |
| that received the win for his team. | | | | |