In baseball, a blown save (BS) is credited to a relief pitcher who, after entering a game in a save situation, allows the tying or winning run to score. A loss (L) is credited to the pitcher who allowed the most runs during the game. It is possible for a pitcher to receive both a blown save and a loss, but the likelihood of this happening is low.
What Is a Blown Save?
A blown save is awarded to a relief pitcher when they enter a game in a save situation, but allow the tying or winning run to score. A save situation is when a pitcher enters a game in the ninth inning or later with his team leading the game by three or fewer runs.
When a pitcher receives a blown save, the pitcher who allowed the tying or winning run to score is not awarded the loss. Instead, the loss is credited to the pitcher who allowed the most runs during the game.
How Common Are Blown Saves and Losses?
Blown saves and losses have become much more frequent in recent years as teams have shifted to using specialized relievers for late-inning situations. In 2019, Major League Baseball teams combined for 811 blown saves, up from 724 in 2018. Meanwhile, the league saw 1,282 losses in 2019, up from 1,231 in 2018.
The frequency of blown saves and losses has risen in part due to the increasing reliance on specialized relievers, who are often brought into difficult situations with the game on the line. This can lead to higher-leverage situations and more blown saves, as well as more losses for pitchers who have allowed runs throughout the game.
Can You Get a Blown Save and a Loss?
Yes, it is possible for a pitcher to get both a blown save and a loss in the same game. However, this is relatively rare, as it requires several factors to come together for it to happen.
For a pitcher to get both a blown save and a loss, the pitcher must enter the game in a save situation and then allow the tying or winning run to score. This would give the pitcher a blown save.
Then, if the opposing team scores more runs after the tying or winning run is scored, the pitcher who allowed the most runs during the game would receive the loss. This could be the same pitcher who got the blown save, or it could be a different pitcher.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for a pitcher to receive both a blown save and a loss in the same game. However, this is relatively rare, as it requires several factors to come together for it to happen. Blown saves and losses have become more frequent in recent years as teams have shifted to using specialized relievers for late-inning situations.