The concept of a save in baseball is one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in the sport. A save is awarded to a relief pitcher when he enters a game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning, without losing the lead. Despite the fact that the save statistic has been around since 1969, there are still many questions surrounding the topic of who gets the save and when. In this article, we will explore the concept of the save in depth, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the save.
What is a Save?
A save is a statistic in baseball which is awarded to a relief pitcher when he enters a game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning, without losing the lead. The save statistic was first officially recorded in 1969 and has since become one of the most coveted accomplishments for a relief pitcher.
How is a Save Awarded?
In order for a pitcher to be awarded a save, he must meet certain criteria. First, the pitcher must enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs. Second, the pitcher must pitch for at least one inning. Finally, the pitcher must not lose the lead during his time on the mound. If these criteria are met, the pitcher is awarded a save.
What Pitchers are Eligible for a Save?
Any pitcher who meets the criteria for a save is eligible for the statistic. This includes starters, relievers, closers, and even position players who have been used as pitchers in an emergency situation.
What is the Difference Between a Save and a Hold?
A save is awarded to a pitcher who enters a game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning, without losing the lead. A hold, on the other hand, is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters a game with the lead and pitches at least one inning, but leaves the game with the lead still intact.
What is the Difference Between a Closer and a Setup Man?
A closer is a relief pitcher who typically pitches the ninth inning of a game. His main responsibility is to record the final three outs of a game and preserve the lead. A setup man, on the other hand, is a relief pitcher who typically pitches the eighth inning of a game and is responsible for setting up the closer for the final three outs.
When is a Pitcher Awarded a Save if the Lead is Extended?
If a pitcher enters a game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning, but the lead is extended during his time on the mound, he is still eligible for a save. This is because the criteria for a save is that the pitcher must enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs.
What is a Blown Save?
A blown save is a statistic which is awarded to a relief pitcher when he enters a game with a lead of no more than three runs and fails to preserve the lead. A blown save is awarded even if the pitcher pitches for more than one inning, and even if the lead is extended during his time on the mound.
Does the Winning Pitcher Receive a Save?
No, the winning pitcher does not receive a save. A save is only awarded to a relief pitcher, and the winning pitcher is typically the starter who pitched the majority of the game.
Who Gets Credit for the Save?
The pitcher who is credited with the save is the pitcher who meets the criteria for a save and is the last pitcher to pitch in the game. This means that if a reliever enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs, pitches for at least one inning, and leaves the game with the lead still intact, he is awarded the save, even if the lead is extended during his time on the mound.
What is a Save Opportunity?
A save opportunity is a statistic which is awarded to a relief pitcher when he enters a game with the potential to record a save. A save opportunity is awarded even if the pitcher does not meet the criteria for a save, and even if the lead is lost during his time on the mound.
Conclusion
The concept of a save in baseball is one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in the sport. Despite the fact that the save statistic has been around since 1969, there are still many questions surrounding the topic of who gets the save and when. In this article, we explored the concept of the save in depth, and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about the save.