A save in baseball is credit awarded to a pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team under certain prescribed conditions. The number of saves is a record statistic currently governed by Rule 10.19 of Major League Baseball’s Official Rules. The rule stipulates that a pitcher must enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitched for at least one inning (or faced three batters whichever comes first) and must not allow the tying run to score during his appearance. The pitcher must finish the game without his team losing the lead and must be the pitcher of record when the final out is made. A save is not awarded if the pitcher does not finish the game or if he enters the game with a lead of four or more runs. A pitcher who enters the game in a non-save situation records more than three outs and leaves the game still in the non-save situation also does not get a save.
The most saves in a season is 62 set by Francisco Rodríguez in 2008. The most in a career is 652 held by Mariano Rivera.
A save is worth one point in the standings. A blown save (BS) is charged to a pitcher who enters a game in a save situation but subsequently allows the tying run to score. If the tying run is scored by another player the pitcher is not charged with a blown save.
The Official Rules of Major League Baseball define a save as follows:
A pitcher shall be credited with a save when he satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team; and
2. He is not the winning pitcher; and
3. He qualifies under one or more of the following conditions:
a. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
b. He enters the game regardless of the count with the potential tying run either on base or at bat or on deck (that is the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batters he faces); or
c. He pitches for at least three innings.
How is a save awarded in baseball?
Answer: A save is awarded to a pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team while preserving their lead.
How many pitches must a relief pitcher throw to be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher must throw at least three pitches to be eligible for a save.
What is the maximum number of innings a relief pitcher can pitch in a game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can pitch a maximum of three innings in a game and still be eligible for a save.
What is the minimum number of batters a relief pitcher must face in a game to be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher must face at least three batters in a game to be eligible for a save.
What is the maximum number of batters a relief pitcher can face in a game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can face a maximum of eight batters in a game and still be eligible for a save.
How many baserunners can a relief pitcher have on base when they enter the game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can have a maximum of two baserunners on base when they enter the game and still be eligible for a save.
How many baserunners can a relief pitcher have on base when they finish the game and still be awarded a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can have a maximum of three baserunners on base when they finish the game and still be awarded a save.
What is the maximum number of inherited runners a relief pitcher can allow to score in a game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can allow a maximum of one inherited runner to score in a game and still be eligible for a save.
What is the maximum number of total runs a relief pitcher can allow in a game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can allow a maximum of three total runs in a game and still be eligible for a save.
What is the maximum number of earned runs a relief pitcher can allow in a game and still be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher can allow a maximum of two earned runs in a game and still be eligible for a save.
What is the minimum number of innings a relief pitcher must pitch in a game to be eligible for a save?
Answer: A relief pitcher must pitch a minimum of one inning in a game to be eligible for a save.
Can a starting pitcher be awarded a save?
Answer: No a starting pitcher cannot be awarded a save.
Can a relief pitcher be awarded a save if they allow any inherited runners to score?
Answer: No a relief pitcher cannot be awarded a save if they allow any inherited runners to score.
Can a relief pitcher be awarded a save if they allow the tying run to score?
Answer: No a relief pitcher cannot be awarded a save if they allow the tying run to score.
Can a relief pitcher be awarded a save if they allow the go-ahead run to score?
Answer: No a relief pitcher cannot be awarded a save if they allow the go-ahead run to score.
