Can a Starting Pitcher Win Without Pitching Five Innings?

When it comes to determining a starting pitcher's win in a baseball game, the most crucial factor is the number of innings pitched. Let's explore the intricacies of this rule and analyze a scenario where a starting pitcher may not get a win despite his efforts.

Rules for a Starting Pitcher to Win

Traditionally, a starting pitcher needs to pitch at least five innings to be eligible for a win. If he meets this requirement, he can be credited with a win provided his team is leading when he leaves the game. For instance, a starter who pitches four innings but stays on the mound long enough for his team to maintain a lead can still be considered for a win, although it's rare and subject to judgment.

Real-Life Scenarios

Let's dive into a typical scenario that illustrates how a starting pitcher can get a win after pitching less than five innings. Assume the game is divided into the following innings:

First 4 Innings: The starting pitcher gives up a few hits and walks in each inning but manages to stay on the mound without giving up a run. 5th Inning: The pitcher develops a blood blister or a tender elbow and is taken out of the game. 6th to 9th Innings: The relievers pitch effectively, with the team rallying to secure a one-run lead in the ninth inning.

Result: The starting pitcher does not get a win. Instead, the second reliever or the closer might receive the credit for the win, based on the official scorer's judgment.

Exception: Emergency Starts and Openers

The only exception to this rule is the concept of a designated opener. In this scenario, a team will use a combination of relief pitchers to complete a game, and the starting pitcher's job is just to open the game for approximately five innings. The official scorer then awards the win to the most effective relief pitcher who closes the game or maintains the lead.

For example, a relief pitcher who goes five innings with no walks and no runs can be a prime candidate for winning the game, even though he started out of the bullpen as an emergency replacement.

The Role of the Official Scorer

The official scorer has a crucial role in determining both wins and saves. If a starting pitcher does not pitch at least five innings, the official scorer awards the win to the relief pitcher who is considered the most effective. This decision is based on factors such as run prevention, innings pitched, and overall performance.

For the final inning, if the closer is involved and secures a save while maintaining the lead, he will get the save credit instead of the win, unless he was the most effective pitcher on the day.

In summary, while a starting pitcher must generally pitch at least five innings to be eligible for a win, there are rare exceptions such as the designated opener role. The official scorer's judgment plays a significant role in determining the winner of the game, especially when the starting pitcher does not meet the five-inning criterion.