Baseball is a game of statistics and one of the most important stats is the save. A pitcher earns a save if he successfully finishes a game in which his team is leading, regardless of the score margin. But the question arises, can a pitcher get a save without throwing a pitch?
The Definition of a Save
In Major League Baseball, a save is awarded to a pitcher who meets certain criteria outlined in the official rules of baseball. According to the rules, in order for a pitcher to be credited with a save, the following must occur:
- The pitcher must enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs
- The pitcher must finish the game while his team is still in the lead
- The pitcher must not be the winning pitcher of the game
If these criteria are met, the pitcher can be credited with a save.
Can a Pitcher Get a Save Without Throwing a Pitch?
The answer to this question is yes, it is possible for a pitcher to get a save without throwing a pitch. This scenario can occur if the pitcher comes into the game with a lead of no more than three runs and is able to maintain that lead until the end of the game.
The most common way for this to happen is if the pitcher records at least three outs without allowing any runs to score. If the pitcher is able to record three outs without allowing any runs to score, then he will be credited with a save, even if he did not throw a single pitch.
Another way for a pitcher to get a save without throwing a pitch is if the pitcher records at least one out, but the game is then ended due to a rain delay or other unforeseen circumstances. As long as the pitcher was the last pitcher to record an out in the game, he will be credited with a save, even though he did not throw a pitch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for a pitcher to get a save without throwing a pitch. This can occur if the pitcher enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and is able to maintain that lead until the end of the game. The most common way for this to happen is if the pitcher records at least three outs without allowing any runs to score. However, a pitcher can also get a save without throwing a pitch if the game is ended due to a rain delay or other unforeseen circumstances.