Blown Save / Win

Since the Royals had a off day (and a chance for their momentum to die down), let’s examine some pitching stats, shall we? (thanks, JR, for the blog idea)

Save: There are several conditions that constitute a save:
• The pitcher is the last pitcher in a game won by his team
• The pitcher is not the winning pitcher
• One of the following:
o He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches one full inning
o He enters the game with the tying run either on base, up to bat, or on deck
o He pitches three “effective” innings (as determined by the official scorer)

Blown Save: A blown save is charged to a pitcher who enters the game in a save situation (defined above), but allows the tying or go ahead run to score.

Hold: The hold is a relatively new stat. The following definition was taken from baseball-almanac.com: “This pitching term was created by the people at USA Today and awards a relief pitcher who preserves the lead by not allowing any runs (earned or unearned) and passes it on to another pitcher for a save opportunity.”

Win: A win is awarded to the pitcher who is the pitcher of record when his team takes the lead.

Loss: A loss is awarded to the pitcher who is the pitcher of record when the opposing team takes the lead.

So, in the case of Ambiorix Burgos’ blown save/win combo the other day, he entered the game in the eighth in a save situation (his team up by 3) but gave up the tying runs. In the bottom of the eighth, the Royals got two runs to take the lead and Burgos returned in the ninth. Since he was the pitcher when the Royals took the lead, Burgos got the win.

Let’s go get ‘em.