What determines a save?

To be honest I don't know the rule. Just saw the post of the ER game and a save was given on an 8-1 victory. I am not picking at that post because 3 weeks ago I called in our game to the Asheville Citizen Times and we had won by 13 or so. The sportswriter asked me if anyone had a save, I kinda chuckled and he told me that a few days earlier a college coach called in a 22-2 victory and had awarded a pitcher a save. I would just like to know what the rule is that determines a save.

 

I don't record a save unless the closing pitcher enters the game with a 3 run or less lead....and holds it. Not saying that's right, but i think it's fair.

 

SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions: (1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and (3) He qualifies under one 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 batsmen he faces); or (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

Remember, this is High School, where many "team score keepers" make their own rules.

 

According to The New Dickson Baseball Dictionary a save is the credit given to a relief pitcher who maintains the lead in a game and allows the pitcher's team to win.

 

I don't think you can "save" a game that is not in jeopardy of being lost. Therefore the 3 run deal sounds right.

 

to quote Braves:

" or (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game. "

This is what is used to determine under baseball rules. I believe if my starter pitches 4 innings, and we are up by several runs, then a relief pitcher pitches the last 3 innings and the lead holds up, certainly he deserves a SAVE.

 

The Three Run Rule is what most teams go by in scoring a pitcher earning the save.

 

Braves has it correct, right from the MLB rulebook. Most people do not realize that you can get credit for a save with 3+ innings of ending work. It also has to do with the score when the reliever enters the game. Pitcher enters game say, bottom of eighth, leading 3-1. Gets out of inning, then in top of ninth his team goes crazy and scores half dozen runs. Now score is 9-1, looks funny in box score, but save none the less.

 

Gonzo gave a good example. In the game in question, Kyle Campfield entered the game in the 5th inning, no outs, runners on 1st and 2nd and his team leading 5-1. He then worked out of the 5th allowing no runs and added two more scoreless innings. A 7th inning 3-run HR padded the score. But Campfield did qualify for a save under rule 3-c, pitching 3 or more effective innings. We don't make the rules, we just post by them.

 

Coach, you are correct again