A save in baseball is awarded to a relief pitcher who finishes a game for their team under specific conditions. To get a save, a pitcher must enter the game in a save situation, preserve their team’s lead, and pitch effectively.
Baseball, a sport steeped in tradition and intricate statistics, offers a multitude of ways to measure a player’s contribution. Among the most coveted achievements for a relief pitcher is the save. It signifies a successful closing out of a game, often in high-pressure situations. But what exactly does it take to earn this distinction? This guide will delve deep into the mechanics, criteria, and nuances of how a pitcher can get a save in baseball.
The Core Criteria for a Save
Baseball’s official scoring rules, established by the Elias Sports Bureau, outline the precise requirements for a save. A pitcher must meet all of the following criteria:
- Enter the game with a lead: The pitcher must come into the game with their team ahead.
- Complete the game: The pitcher must be the one to record the final out of the baseball game.
- Meet at least one of three conditions:
- Enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitch at least one inning.
- Enter the game, regardless of the score, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat, or on deck.
- Pitch at least three effective innings.
These rules ensure that a save is awarded for skillful and effective closing out of a game, not simply for pitching the final inning. The save opportunity is what defines the potential for this statistic.
Fathoming the Lead Requirements
The lead a pitcher inherits when entering the game is crucial.
- Small Leads (Three Runs or Fewer): This is the most common scenario. If a pitcher enters with a lead of three runs or less, they must pitch at least one full inning to qualify for a save. This means they must face at least three batters in that inning unless the game ends before they complete the inning.
- Larger Leads (More Than Three Runs): If a pitcher enters with a lead of four runs or more, they can only get a save if they pitch three or more effective innings and finish the game. This showcases their ability to handle a larger cushion but still require a prolonged outing.
Grasping the Tying Run Scenario
This condition is often seen as the true test of a closer’s mettle.
- Tying Run on Base or at Bat: If the tying run is on base, at the plate, or the next batter due up, the pitcher entering the game has a save opportunity. They must prevent that run from scoring and maintain their team’s lead until the end of the game.
- Tying Run on Deck: This means the batter currently at the plate is not the tying run, but the very next batter in the lineup is. This still presents a significant threat, and the pitcher must navigate this situation to secure the save.
Interpreting the Three-Inning Performance
This provision allows for pitchers who might not be traditional closers but are brought in early in a close game to be credited with a save if they perform exceptionally well over a longer stretch.
- Extended Duty: Pitching three or more innings is a significant workload for a relief pitcher. This rule acknowledges their contribution in keeping the lead over a substantial portion of the late innings.
The Role of the Closing Pitcher
The closing pitcher, often called the “closer,” is typically the player most associated with earning saves. This role is specialized, focusing on pitching the final inning or two of a close game.
Characteristics of a Great Closer
- High Velocity: Closers often possess overpowering fastballs, making it difficult for batters to make solid contact.
- Reliable Out Pitch: A devastating breaking ball or off-speed pitch is essential to get batters out in clutch situations.
- Mental Toughness: The ability to perform under immense pressure is paramount. Closers regularly face the most critical moments of a game.
- Experience: While some young pitchers excel in this role, many seasoned relievers develop the necessary composure and skill set.
Pitching Stats to Watch
While the save itself is a key statistic, a closer’s overall pitching stats provide a broader picture of their effectiveness.
- Earned Run Average (ERA): A low ERA indicates that the pitcher is allowing very few earned runs. This is a fundamental measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness. A closer with a strong ERA is likely to be in a position to earn saves.
- Walks and Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP): This stat measures how many batters reach base against a pitcher. A low WHIP suggests the pitcher is limiting baserunners, a crucial element for closing out games.
- Strikeout Rate: High strikeout numbers indicate a pitcher’s ability to overpower hitters, which is vital for escaping jams and securing saves.
- Saves and Blown Saves: The ratio of saves to blown saves is a direct indicator of a closer’s success in their primary role. A blown save occurs when a pitcher enters a save situation but fails to preserve the lead.
Navigating the Save Opportunity
A save opportunity arises when the conditions are met for a pitcher to be eligible for a save. The pitcher’s mound performance in these moments is critical.
What Constitutes a Blown Save?
A blown save is the inverse of a save and is a statistic that every pitcher tries to avoid. It happens when a pitcher:
- Enters a game with a lead.
- Fails to complete the game.
- Allows the tying run or the lead run to score.
For example, if a pitcher enters with a one-run lead and gives up two runs, they have blown the save. If they enter with a three-run lead and give up three runs, they also blow the save.
Dealing with Inherited Runners
A significant challenge for relief pitchers, especially those who enter a game mid-inning, is dealing with inherited runners. These are runners who were on base when the previous pitcher was removed.
- The Challenge: Inherited runners often represent runs that the previous pitcher allowed to reach base. If these runners score, it reflects negatively on the new pitcher, even if they are pitching well.
- Scoring Attribution: An inherited runner who scores is charged to the pitcher who allowed them to reach base, not the pitcher who was on the mound when they scored. However, the pitcher can still be charged with an earned run if the scoring is a direct result of their own pitching.
- Impact on Save: If a pitcher enters with a lead and allows an inherited runner to score, and that run cuts the lead to three runs or less, they can still record a save if they pitch at least one inning and preserve the lead. However, if the inherited runner scores and erases the lead entirely, or if the pitcher fails to record the final out, it results in a blown save.
Strategies for Earning a Save
Beyond the basic criteria, several strategic considerations come into play for pitchers aiming to get saves.
Pitching Effectively in the Late Innings
The ability to maintain composure and execute pitches under pressure is key.
- Focus on Each Batter: Rather than dwelling on the overall situation, closers must focus on getting one batter out at a time.
- Leveraging the Pitch Mix: A pitcher’s arsenal of pitches is crucial. Using off-speed pitches to keep hitters off balance or a dominant breaking ball to get strikeouts can be vital.
- Command of the Strike Zone: Even with overpowering stuff, control is essential. Walked batters create pressure and increase the likelihood of giving up runs.
Game Situations and Managerial Decisions
The manager plays a significant role in setting up save opportunities.
- Strategic Pitcher Usage: Managers decide when to bring in their closer based on the game situation, the score, and the opposing team’s lineup.
- Matchups: Managers may consider batter-pitcher matchups when deciding who to bring in and when.
- Bullpen Depth: The strength of a team’s bullpen depth influences how often their closer is available and the types of situations they are used in.
The Importance of Consistency
While a single save is a notable achievement, consistent performance over a season is what defines a great closer.
- Building Momentum: Stringing together successful outings builds confidence for the pitcher and the team.
- Minimizing Blown Saves: Limiting blown saves is as important as accumulating saves. A closer who consistently converts save opportunities is invaluable.
Notable Save Leaders and Their Performances
Examining the careers of some of baseball’s most successful closers can offer insights into what it takes to excel in this role. Players like Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, and Francisco Rodriguez have amassed incredible save totals, demonstrating longevity and consistent high-level performance.
Table: All-Time MLB Saves Leaders (Top 5)
| Rank | Player | Saves |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francisco RodrÃguez | 652 |
| 2 | Trevor Hoffman | 601 |
| 3 | Lee Smith | 478 |
| 4 | Mariano Rivera | 652 |
| 5 | John Franco | 424 |
(Note: This table is an example and reflects historical data. Exact numbers can vary slightly depending on the source and any ongoing careers.)
These pitchers have consistently been put in save opportunities and have delivered, often with a signature pitch or an exceptional ability to shut down opponents. Their mound performance was consistently at a high level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saves
Q1: Can a starting pitcher get a save?
A1: Generally, no. A starting pitcher is expected to pitch multiple innings. A save is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters the game later. There are extremely rare exceptions where a starter might pitch in relief at the very end of a game in unusual circumstances, but it’s not the typical path to a save.
Q2: What happens if a pitcher gets a save but then his team loses the lead in extra innings?
A2: If a pitcher records a save and the game continues into extra innings, and their team then loses the lead, the save still stands. The save is for the pitcher’s performance in finishing the game at the time they were on the mound. However, the relief pitcher who allowed the lead to be lost in extra innings might be responsible for a loss, not a blown save (as the save was already awarded).
Q3: Does pitching one inning with a huge lead count as a save?
A3: No. As per the rules, to get a save with a lead of more than three runs, the pitcher must pitch at least three effective innings and finish the game. Pitching one inning with a large lead without meeting other criteria does not result in a save.
Q4: What is the difference between a save and a hold?
A4: A “hold” is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters the game in a save situation, preserves the lead, but does not finish the game. The next pitcher who enters the game and successfully finishes the game would be eligible for the save, provided they meet the criteria. Holds are a separate statistic that recognizes the effectiveness of setup pitchers.
Q5: How does an earned run impact a save?
A5: Allowing an earned run can be detrimental to a save opportunity. If a pitcher enters with a lead of three runs or fewer and allows an earned run that reduces the lead to two runs or fewer, they still have a chance to get a save if they finish the game and meet the other criteria. However, if the earned run erases the lead entirely, it results in a blown save.
By mastering these rules and developing the necessary skills, pitchers can work towards achieving the coveted save, a testament to their ability to close out a baseball game and contribute to their team’s victory. The dedication and mound performance required are immense, but the reward of a successful save is one of the most satisfying achievements in baseball.