HOW TO PROVE A BOX SCORE
(c) A box score is in balance (or proved) when the total of the team's times at bat, bases on balls received,
hit batters, sacrifice bunts, sacrifice flies and batters awarded first base because of interference or obstruction
equals the total of that team's runs, players left on base and the opposing team's putouts.
WHEN PLAYER BATS OUT OF TURN
(d) When a player bats out of turn, and is put out, and the proper batter is called out before the ball is
pitched to the next batter, charge the proper batter with a time at bat and score the putout and any assists the
same as if the correct batting order had been followed. If an improper batter becomes a runner and the proper
batter is called out for having missed his turn at bat, charge the proper batter with a time at bat, credit the putout
to the catcher, and ignore everything entering into the improper batter's safe arrival on base. If more than one
batter bats out of turn in succession score all plays just as they occur, skipping the turn at bat of the player or
players who first missed batting in the proper order.
CALLED AND FORFEITED GAMES
(e) (1) If a regulation game is called, include the record of all individual and team actions up to the moment
the game ends, as defined in Rules 4.10 and 4.11. If it is a tie game, do not enter a winning or losing pitcher.
(2) If a regulation game is forfeited, include the record of all individual and team actions up to the time of
forfeit. If the winning team by forfeit is ahead at the time of forfeit, enter as winning and losing pitchers the
players who would have qualified if the game had been called at the time of forfeit. If the winning team by forfeit
is behind or if the score is tied at the time of forfeit, do not enter a winning or losing pitcher. If a game is forfeited
before it becomes a regulation game, include no records. Report only the fact of the forfeit.
RUNS BATTED IN
10.04 (a) Credit the batter with a run batted in for every run which reaches home base because of the batter's
safe hit, sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder's choice; or which is forced over the plate by reason of
the batter becoming a runner with the bases full (on a base on balls, or an award of first base for being touched
by a pitched ball, or for interference or obstruction).
(1) Credit a run batted in for the run scored by the batter who hits a home run. Credit a run batted in for
each runner who is on base when the home run is hit and who scores ahead of the batter who hits the home run.
(2) Credit a run batted in for the run scored when, before two are out, an error is made on a play on
which a runner from third base ordinarily would score.
(b) Do not credit a run batted in when the batter grounds into a force double play or a reverse force double
play.
(c) Do not credit a run batted in when a fielder is charged with an error because he muffs a throw at first
base which would have completed a force double play.
(d) Scorer's judgment must determine whether a run batted in shall be credited for a run which scores when
a fielder holds the ball, or throws to a wrong base. Ordinarily, if the runner keeps going, credit a run batted in; if
the runner stops and takes off again when he notices the misplay, credit the run as scored on a fielder's choice.
BASE HITS
10.05 A base hit shall be scored in the following cases:
(a) When a batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base) safely on a fair ball which settles on the
ground or touches a fence before being touched by a fielder, or which clears a fence;
(b) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball hit with such force, or so slowly, that any fielder
attempting to make a play with it has no opportunity to do so;
NOTE: A hit shall be scored if the fielder attempting to handle the ball cannot make a play, even if such fielder
deflects the ball from or cuts off another fielder who could have put out a runner.
(c) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which takes an unnatural bounce so that a fielder
cannot handle it with ordinary effort, or which touches the pitcher's plate or any base, (including home plate),
before being touched by a fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot handle it with ordinary effort;
(d) When a batter reaches first base safely on a fair ball which has not been touched by a fielder and which
is in fair territory when it reaches the outfield unless in the scorer's judgment it could have been handled with
ordinary effort;
(e) When a fair ball which has not been touched by a fielder touches a runner or an umpire. EXCEPTION:
Do not score a hit when a runner is called out for having been touched by an Infield Fly;
(f) When a fielder unsuccessfully attempts to put out a preceding runner, and in the scorer's judgment the
batter runner would not have been put out at first base by ordinary effort.
NOTE: In applying the above rules, always give the batter the benefit of the doubt. A safe course to follow is to
score a hit when exceptionally good fielding of a ball fails to result in a putout.
10.06 A base hit shall not be scored in the following cases:
(a) When a runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have been forced out except for a fielding error;
(b) When the batter apparently hits safely and a runner who is forced to advance by reason of the batter
becoming a runner fails to touch the first base to which he is advancing and is called out on appeal. Charge the
batter with a time at bat but no hit;
(c) When the pitcher, the catcher or any infielder handles a batted ball and puts out a preceding runner who
is attempting to advance one base or to return to his original base, or would have put out such runner with
ordinary effort except for a fielding error. Charge the batter with a time at bat but no hit;
(d) When a fielder fails in an attempt to put out a preceding runner, and in the scorer's judgment the batter
runner could have been put out at first base.
NOTE: This shall not apply if the fielder merely looks toward or feints toward another base before attempting to
make the putout at first base;
(e) When a runner is called out for interference with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, unless in the
scorer's judgment the batter runner would have been safe had the interference not occurred.
DETERMINING VALUE OF BASE HITS
10.07 Whether a safe hit shall be scored as one base hit, two base hit, three base hit or home run when no
error or putout results shall be determined as follows:
(a) Subject to the provisions of 10.07 (b) and (c), it is a one base hit if the batter stops at first base; it is a
two base hit if the batter stops at second base; it a three base hit if the batter stops at third base; it is a home
run if the batter touches all bases and scores.
(b) When, with one or more runners on base, the batter advances more than one base on a safe hit and the
defensive team makes an attempt to put out a preceding runner, the scorer shall determine whether the batter
made a legitimate two base hit or three base hit, or whether he advanced beyond first base on the fielder's
choice.
NOTE: Do not credit the batter with a three base hit when a preceding runner is put out at the plate, or would
have been out but for an error. Do not credit the batter with a two base hit when a preceding runner trying to
advance from first base is put out at third base, or would have been out but for an error. However, with the
exception of the above, do not determine the value of base hits by the number of bases advanced by a
preceding runner. A batter may deserve a two base hit even though a preceding runner advances one or no
bases; he may deserve only a one base hit even though he reaches second base and a preceding runner
advances two bases.
EXAMPLES: (1) Runner on first, batter hits to right fielder, who throws to third base in unsuccessful attempt to
put out runner. Batter takes second base. Credit batter with one base hit.
(2) Runner on second. Batter hits fair fly ball. Runner holds up to determine if ball is caught, and
advances only to third base, while batter takes second. Credit batter with two base hit.
(3) Runner on third. Batter hits high fair fly. Runner takes lead, then runs back to tag up, thinking
ball will be caught. Ball falls safe, but runner cannot score, although batter has reached second. Credit batter
with two base hit.
(c) When the batter attempts to make a two base hit or a three base hit by sliding, he must hold the last
base to which he advances. If he overslides and is tagged out before getting back to the base safely, he shall
be credited with only as many bases as he attained safely. If he overslides second base and is tagged out, he
shall be credited with a one base hit; if he overslides third base and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a
two base hit.
NOTE: If the batter overruns second or third base and is tagged out trying to return, he shall be credited with
the last base he touched. If he runs past second base after reaching that base on his feet, attempts to return
and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a two base hit. If he runs past third base after reaching that base on
his feet, attempts to return and is tagged out, he shall be credited with a three base hit.
(d) When the batter, after making a safe hit, is called out for having failed to touch a base, the last base he
reached safely shall determine if he shall be credited with a one base hit, a two base hit or a three base hit. If he
is called out after missing home base, he shall be credited with a three base hit. If he is called out for missing
third base, he shall be credited with a two base hit. If he is called out for missing second base, he shall be
credited with a one base hit. If he is called out for missing first base, he shall be charged with a time at bat, but
no hit.
(e) When the batter runner is awarded two bases, three bases or a home run under the provisions of
Playing Rules 7.05 or 7.06 (a), he shall be credited with a two base hit, a three base hit or a home run, as the
case may be.
GAME ENDING HITS
(f) Subject to the provisions of 10.07 (g), when the batter ends a game with a safe hit which drives in as
many runs as are necessary to put his team in the lead, he shall be credited with only as many bases on his hit
as are advanced by the runner who scores the winning run, and then only if the batter runs out his hit for as
many bases as are advanced by the runner who scores the winning run.
NOTE: Apply this rule even when the batter is theoretically entitled to more bases because of being awarded an
"automatic" extra base hit under various provisions of Playing Rules 6.09 and 7.05.
(g) When the batter ends a game with a home run hit out of the playing field, he and any runners on base
are entitled to score.
STOLEN BASES
10.08 A stolen base shall be credited to a runner whenever he advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout,
an error, a force out, a fielder's choice, a passed ball, a wild pitch or a balk, subject to the following:
(a) When a runner starts for the next base before the pitcher delivers the ball and the pitch results in what
ordinarily is scored a wild pitch or passed ball, credit the runner with a stolen base and do not charge the
misplay. EXCEPTION: If, as a result of the misplay, the stealing runner advances an extra base, or another
runner also advances, score the wild pitch or passed ball as well as the stolen base.
(b) When a runner is attempting to steal, and the catcher, after receiving the pitch, makes a wild throw trying
to prevent the stolen base, credit a stolen base. Do not charge an error unless the wild throw permits the
stealing runner to advance one or more extra bases, or permits another runner to advance, in which case credit
the stolen base and charge one error to the catcher.
(c) When a runner, attempting to steal, or after being picked off base, evades being put out in a run down
play and advances to the next base without the aid of an error, credit the runner with a stolen base. If another
runner also advances on the play, credit both runners with stolen bases. If a runner advances while another
runner, attempting to steal, evades being put out in a run down play and returns safely, without the aid of an
error, to the base he originally occupied, credit a stolen base to the runner who advances.
(d) When a double or triple steal is attempted and one runner is thrown out before reaching and holding the
base he is attempting to steal, no other runner shall be credited with a stolen base.
(e) When a runner is tagged out after oversliding a base, while attempting either to return to that base or to
advance to the next base, he shall not be credited with a stolen base.
(f) When in the scorer's judgment a runner attempting to steal is safe because of a muffed throw, do not
credit a stolen base. Credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw; charge an error to the fielder who
muffed the throw, and charge the runner with "caught stealing."
(g) No stolen base shall be scored when a runner advances solely because of the defensive team's
indifference to his advance. Score as a fielder's choice.
CAUGHT STEALING
(h) A runner shall be charged as "Caught Stealing" if he is put out, or would have been put out by errorless
play when he
(1) Tries to steal.
(2) Is picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward the next base shall be considered an
attempt to advance).
(3) Overslides while stealing.
NOTE: In those instances where a pitched ball eludes the catcher and the runner is put out trying to advance,
no caught stealing shall be charged. No caught stealing should be charged when a runner is awarded a base
due to obstruction.
SACRIFICES
10.09 (a) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the batter advances one or more runners with a bunt
and is put out at first base, or would have been put out except for a fielding error.
(b) Score a sacrifice bunt when, before two are out, the fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an
unsuccessful attempt to put out a preceding runner advancing one base. EXCEPTION: When an attempt to turn
a bunt into a putout of a preceding runner fails, and in the scorer's judgment perfect play would not have put out
the batter at first base, the batter shall be credited with a one base hit and not a sacrifice.
(c) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when any runner is put out attempting to advance one base on a bunt.
Charge the batter with a time at bat.
(d) Do not score a sacrifice bunt when, in the judgment of the scorer, the batter is bunting primarily for a
base hit and not for the purpose of advancing a runner or runners. Charge the batter with a time at bat.
NOTE: In applying the above rule, always give the batter the benefit of the doubt.
(e) Score a sacrifice fly when, before two are out, the batter hits a fly ball or a line drive handled by an
outfielder or an infielder running in the outfield which
(1) is caught, and a runner scores after the catch, or
(2) is dropped, and a runner scores, if in the scorer's judgment the runner could have scored after the
catch had the fly been caught.
NOTE: Score a sacrifice fly in accordance with 10.09 (e) (2) even though another runner is forced out by reason
of the batter becoming a runner.
PUTOUTS
10.10 A putout shall be credited to each fielder who (1) catches a fly ball or a line drive, whether fair or foul; (2)
catches a thrown ball which puts out a batter or runner, or (3) tags a runner when the runner is off the base to
which he legally is entitled.
(a) Automatic putouts shall be credited to the catcher as follows:
(1) When the batter is called out for an illegally batted ball;
(2) When the batter is called out for bunting foul for his third strike; (Note exception in 10.17 (a) (4)).
(3) When the batter is called out for being touched by his own batted ball;
(4) When the batter is called out for interfering with the catcher.
(5) When the batter is called out for failing to bat in his proper turn; (See 10.03 (d)).
(6) When the batter is called out for refusing to touch first base after receiving a base on balls;
(7) When a runner is called out for refusing to advance from third base to home with the winning run.
(b) Other automatic putouts shall be credited as follows (Credit no assists on these plays except as
specified):
(1) When the batter is called out on an Infield Fly which is not caught, credit the putout to the fielder who
the scorer believes could have made the catch;
(2) When a runner is called out for being touched by a fair ball (including an Infield Fly), credit the putout
to the fielder nearest the ball;
(3) When a runner is called out for running out of line to avoid being tagged, credit the putout to the
fielder whom the runner avoided;
(4) When a runner is called out for passing another runner, credit the putout to the fielder nearest the
point of passing;
(5) When a runner is called out for running the bases in reverse order, credit the putout to the fielder
covering the base he left in starting his reverse run;
(6) When a runner is called out for having interfered with a fielder, credit the putout to the fielder with
whom the runner interfered, unless the fielder was in the act of throwing the ball when the interference occurred,
in which case credit the putout to the fielder for whom the throw was intended, and credit an assist to the fielder
whose throw was interfered with;
(7) When the batter runner is called out because of interference by a preceding runner, as provided in
Playing Rule 6.05 (m), credit the putout to the first baseman. If the fielder interfered with was in the act of
throwing the ball, credit him with an assist, but credit only one assist on any one play under the provisions of
10.10 (b) (6) and (7).
ASSISTS
10.11 An assist shall be credited to each fielder who throws or deflects a batted or thrown ball in such a way that
a putout results, or would have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder. Only one assist and no
more shall be credited to each fielder who throws or deflects the ball in a run down play which results in a
putout, or would have resulted in a putout, except for a subsequent error.
NOTE: Mere ineffective contact with the ball shall not be considered an assist. "Deflect" shall mean to slow down
or change the direction of the ball and thereby effectively assist in putting out a batter or runner.
(a) Credit an assist to each fielder who throws or deflects the ball during a play which results in a runner
being called out for interference, or for running out of line.
(b) Do not credit an assist to the pitcher on a strikeout. EXCEPTION: Credit an assist if the pitcher fields an
uncaught third strike and makes a throw which results in a putout.
(c) Do not credit an assist to the pitcher when, as the result of a legal pitch received by the catcher, a runner
is put out, as when the catcher picks a runner off base, throws out a runner trying to steal, or tags a runner
trying to score.
(d) Do not credit an assist to a fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to advance, even though the runner
subsequently is put out as a result of continuous play. A play which follows a misplay (whether or not it is an
error) is a new play, and the fielder making any misplay shall not be credited with an assist unless he takes part
in the new play.
DOUBLE PLAYS_TRIPLE PLAYS
10.12 Credit participation in the double play or triple play to each fielder who earns a putout or an assist when
two or three players are put out between the time a pitch is delivered and the time the ball next becomes dead
or is next in possession of the pitcher in pitching position, unless an error or misplay intervenes between putouts.
NOTE: Credit the double play or triple play also if an appeal play after the ball is in possession of the pitcher
results in an additional putout.
ERRORS
10.13 An error shall be charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or wild throw) which prolongs the time at bat of a
batter or which prolongs the life of a runner, or which permits a runner to advance one or more bases.
NOTE (1) Slow handling of the ball which does not involve mechanical misplay shall not be construed as an
error.
NOTE (2) It is not necessary that the fielder touch the ball to be charged with an error. If a ground ball goes
through a fielder's legs or a pop fly falls untouched and in the scorer's judgment the fielder could have handled
the ball with ordinary effort, an error shall be charged.
NOTE (3) Mental mistakes or misjudgments are not to be scored as errors unless specifically covered in the
rules.
(a) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he muffs a foul fly, to prolong the time at bat of a
batter whether the batter subsequently reaches first base or is put out.
(b) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to
put out the batter runner and fails to tag first base or the batter runner.
(c) An error shall be charged against any fielder when he catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to
put out any runner on a force play and fails to tag the base or the runner.
(d) (1) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to reach a base
safely, when in the scorer's judgment a good throw would have put out the runner. EXCEPTION: No error shall
be charged under this section if the wild throw is made attempting to prevent a stolen base.
(2) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose wild throw in attempting to prevent a runner's
advance permits that runner or any other runner to advance one or more bases beyond the base he would
have reached had the throw not been wild.
(3) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose throw takes an unnatural bounce, or touches a
base or the pitcher's plate, or touches a runner, a fielder or an umpire, thereby permitting any runner to
advance.
NOTE: Apply this rule even when it appears to be an injustice to a fielder whose throw was accurate. Every base
advanced by a runner must be accounted for.
(4) Charge only one error on any wild throw, regardless of the number of bases advanced by one or
more runners.
(e) An error shall be charged against any fielder whose failure to stop, or try to stop, an accurately thrown
ball permits a runner to advance, providing there was occasion for the throw. If such throw be made to second
base, the scorer shall determine whether it was the duty of the second baseman or the shortstop to stop the
ball, and an error shall be charged to the negligent player.
NOTE: If in the scorer's judgment there was no occasion for the throw, an error shall be charged to the fielder
who threw the ball.
(f) When an umpire awards the batter or any runner or runners one or more bases because of interference
or obstruction, charge the fielder who committed the interference or obstruction with one error, no matter how
many bases the batter, or runner or runners, may be advanced.
NOTE: Do not charge an error if obstruction does not change the play in the opinion of the scorer.
10.14 No error shall be charged in the following cases:
(a) No error shall be charged against the catcher when after receiving the pitch, he makes a wild throw
attempting to prevent a stolen base, unless the wild throw permits the stealing runner to advance one or more
extra bases, or permits any other runner to advance one or more bases.
(b) No error shall be charged against any fielder who makes a wild throw if in the scorer's judgment the
runner would not have been put out with ordinary effort by a good throw, unless such wild throw permits any
runner to advance beyond the base he would have reached had the throw not been wild.
(c) No error shall be charged against any fielder when he makes a wild throw in attempting to complete a
double play or triple play, unless such wild throw enables any runner to advance beyond the base he would
have reached had the throw not been wild.
NOTE: When a fielder muffs a thrown ball which, if held, would have completed a double play or triple play,
charge an error to the fielder who drops the ball and credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw.
(d) No error shall be charged against any fielder when, after fumbling a ground ball or dropping a fly ball, a
line drive or a thrown ball, he recovers the ball in time to force out a runner at any base.
(e) No error shall be charged against any fielder who permits a foul fly to fall safe with a runner on third base
before two are out, if in the scorer's judgment the fielder deliberately refuses the catch in order that the runner
on third shall not score after the catch.
(f) Because the pitcher and catcher handle the ball much more than other fielders, certain misplays on
pitched balls are defined in Rule 10.15 as wild pitches and passed balls. No error shall be charged when a wild
pitch or passed ball is scored.
(1) No error shall be charged when the batter is awarded first base on four called balls or because he
was touched by a pitched ball, or when he reaches first base as the result of a wild pitch or passed ball.
(i) When the third strike is a wild pitch, permitting the batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and a
wild pitch.
(ii) When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first base, score a strikeout and
a passed ball.
(2) No error shall be charged when a runner or runners advance as the result of a passed ball, a wild
pitch or a balk.
(i) When the fourth called ball is a wild pitch or a passed ball, and as a result (a) the batter runner
advances to a base beyond first base; (b) any runner forced to advance by the base on balls advances more
than one base, or (c) any runner, not forced to advance, advances one or more bases, score the base on balls,
and also the wild pitch or passed ball, as the case may be;
(ii) When the catcher recovers the ball after a wild pitch or passed ball on the third strike, and throws
out the batter runner at first base, or tags out the batter runner, but another runner or runners advance, score
the strikeout, the putout and assists, if any, and credit the advance of the other runner or runners as having
been made on the play.
WILD PITCHES_PASSED BALLS
10.15 (a) A wild pitch shall be charged when a legally delivered ball is so high, or so wide, or so low that the
catcher does not stop and control the ball by ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance.
(1) A wild pitch shall be charged when a legally delivered ball touches the ground before reaching
home plate and is not handled by the catcher, permitting a runner or runners to advance.
(b) A catcher shall be charged with a passed ball when he fails to hold or to control a legally pitched ball
which should have been held or controlled with ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to
advance.
BASES ON BALLS
10.16 (a) A base on balls shall be scored whenever a batter is awarded first base because of four balls having
been pitched outside the strike zone, but when the fourth such ball touches the batter it shall be scored as a "hit
batter." (See 10.18 (h) for procedure when more than one pitcher is involved in giving a base on balls: Also see
10.17 (b) relative to substitute batter who receives base on balls.)
(b) Intentional base on balls shall be scored when the pitcher makes no attempt to throw the last pitch to the
batter into the strike zone but purposely throws the ball wide to the catcher outside the catcher's box. (1) If a
batter awarded a base on balls is called out for refusing to advance to first base, do not credit the base on balls.
Charge a time at bat.
STRIKEOUTS
10.17 (a) A strikeout shall be scored whenever: (1) A batter is put out by a third strike caught by the catcher; (2)
A batter is put out by a third strike not caught when there is a runner on first before two are out; (3) A batter
becomes a runner because a third strike is not caught; (4) A batter bunts foul on third strike. EXCEPTION: If
such bunt on third strike results in a foul fly caught by any fielder, do not score a strikeout. Credit the fielder who
catches such foul fly with a putout.
(b) When the batter leaves the game with two strikes against him, and the substitute batter completes a
strikeout, charge the strikeout and the time at bat to the first batter. If the substitute batter completes the turn at
bat in any other manner, including a base on balls, score the action as having been that of the substitute batter.
EARNED RUNS
10.18 An earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, the inning
should be reconstructed without the errors (which include catcher's interference) and passed balls, and the
benefit of the doubt should always be given to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached
by errorless play. For the purpose of determining earned runs, an intentional base on balls, regardless of the
circumstances, shall be construed in exactly the same manner as any other base on balls.
(a) An earned run shall be charged every time a runner reaches home base by the aid of safe hits, sacrifice
bunts, a sacrifice fly, stolen bases, putouts, fielder's choices, bases on balls, hit batters, balks or wild pitches
(including a wild pitch on third strike which permits a batter to reach first base) before fielding chances have
been offered to put out the offensive team. For the purpose of this rule, a defensive interference penalty shall
be construed as a fielding chance.
(1) A wild pitch is solely the pitcher's fault, and contributes to an earned run just as a base on balls or a
balk.
(b) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner who reaches first base (1) on a hit or otherwise after his
time at bat is prolonged by a muffed foul fly; (2) because of interference or obstruction or (3) because of any
fielding error.
(c) No run shall be earned when scored by a runner whose life is prolonged by an error, if such runner
would have been put out by errorless play.
(d) No run shall be earned when the runner's advance is aided by an error, a passed ball, or defensive
interference or obstruction, if the scorer judges that the run would not have scored without the aid of such
misplay.
(e) An error by a pitcher is treated exactly the same as an error by any other fielder in computing earned
runs.
(f) Whenever a fielding error occurs, the pitcher shall be given the benefit of the doubt in determining to
which bases any runners would have advanced had the fielding of the defensive team been errorless.
(g) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher shall not be charged with any run (earned
or unearned) scored by a runner who was on base at the time he entered the game, nor for runs scored by any
runner who reaches base on a fielder's choice which puts out a runner left on base by the preceding pitcher.
NOTE: It is the intent of this rule to charge each pitcher with the number of runners he put on base, rather than
with the individual runners. When a pitcher puts runners on base, and is relieved, he shall be charged with all
runs subsequently scored up to and including the number of runners he left on base when he left the game,
unless such runners are put out without action by the batter, i.e., caught stealing, picked off base, or called out
for interference when a batter runner does not reach first base on the play. EXCEPTION: see example 7.
EXAMPLES: (1) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B grounds out, sending A to second. C flies out. D singles,
scoring A. Charge run to P1.
(2) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B forces A at second. C grounds out, sending B to second. D
singles, scoring B. Charge run to P1.
(3) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B singles, sending A to third. C grounds to short, and A is out
at home, B going to second. D flies out. E singles, scoring B. Charge run to P1.
(4) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. B walks. C flies out. A is picked off second. D doubles, scoring
B from first. Charge run to P2.
(5) P1 walks A and is relieved by P2. P2 walks B and is relieved by P3. C forces A at third. D forces B
at third. E hits home run, scoring three runs. Charge one run to P1; one run to P2, one run to P3.
(6) P1 walks A, and is relieved by P2, P2 walks B. C singles, filling the bases. D forces A at home. E
singles, scoring B and C. Charge one run to P1 and one run to P2.
(7) P1 walks A, and is relieved by P2. P2 allows B to single, but A is out trying for third. B takes
second on the throw. C singles, scoring B. Charge run to P2.
(h) A relief pitcher shall not be held accountable when the first batter to whom he pitches reaches first base
on four called balls if such batter has a decided advantage in the ball and strike count when pitchers are
changed.
(1) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is
2 balls, no strike,
2 balls, 1 strike,
3 balls, no strike,
3 balls, 1 strike,
3 balls, 2 strikes, and the batter gets a base on balls, charge that batter and the base on balls to the
preceding pitcher, not to the relief pitcher.
(2) Any other action by such batter, such as reaching base on a hit, an error, a fielder's choice, a force
out, or being touched by a pitched ball, shall cause such a batter to be charged to the relief pitcher.
NOTE: The provisions of 10.18 (h) (2) shall not be construed as affecting or conflicting with the provisions of
10.18 (g).
(3) If, when pitchers are changed, the count is
2 balls, 2 strikes,
1 ball, 2 strikes,
1 ball, 1 strike,
1 ball, no strike,
no ball, 2 strikes,
no ball, 1 strike, charge that batter and his actions to the relief pitcher.
(i) When pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher shall not have the benefit of
previous chances for outs not accepted in determining earned runs.
NOTE: It is the intent of this rule to charge relief pitchers with earned runs for which they are solely responsible.
In some instances, runs charged as earned against the relief pitcher can be charged as unearned against the
team.
EXAMPLES: (1) With two out, P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error. P2 relieves P1. C hits home run, scoring
three runs. Charge two unearned runs to P1, one earned run to P2.
(2) With two out, P1 walks A and B and is relieved by P2. C reaches base on an error. D hits home
run, scoring four runs. Charge two unearned runs to P1, two unearned runs to P2.
(3) With none out, P1 walks A. B reaches base on an error. P2 relieves P1. C hits home run, scoring
three runs. D and E strike out. F reaches base on an error. G hits home run, scoring two runs. Charge two runs,
one earned, to P1. Charge three runs, one earned, to P2.
WINNING AND LOSING PITCHER
10.19 (a) Credit the starting pitcher with a game won only if he has pitched at least five complete innings and his
team not only is in the lead when he is replaced but remains in the lead the remainder of the game.
(b) The "must pitch five complete innings" rule in respect to the starting pitcher shall be in effect for all
games of six or more innings. In a five inning game, credit the starting pitcher with a game won if he has pitched
at least four complete innings and his team not only is in the lead when he is replaced but remains in the lead
the remainder of the game.
(c) When the starting pitcher cannot be credited with the victory because of the provisions of 10.19 (a) or (b)
and more than one relief pitcher is used, the victory shall be awarded on the following basis:
(1) When, during the tenure of the starting pitcher, the winning team assumes the lead and maintains it
to the finish of the game, credit the victory to the relief pitcher judged by the scorer to have been the most
effective;
(2) Whenever the score is tied the game becomes a new contest insofar as the winning and losing
pitcher is concerned;
(3) Once the opposing team assumes the lead all pitchers who have pitched up to that point are
excluded from being credited with the victory except that if the pitcher against whose pitching the opposing team
gained the lead continues to pitch until his team regains the lead, which it holds to the finish of the game, that
pitcher shall be the winning pitcher;
(4) The winning relief pitcher shall be the one who is the pitcher of record when his team assumes the
lead and maintains it to the finish of the game. EXCEPTION: Do not credit a victory to a relief pitcher who is
ineffective in a brief appearance, when a succeeding relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping his team
maintain the lead. In such cases, credit the succeeding relief pitcher with the victory.
(d) When a pitcher is removed for a substitute batter or substitute runner, all runs scored by his team during
the inning in which he is removed shall be credited to his benefit in determining the pitcher of record when his
team assumes the lead.
(e) Regardless of how many innings the first pitcher has pitched, he shall be charged with the loss of the
game if he is replaced when his team is behind in the score, or falls behind because of runs charged to him after
he is replaced, and his team thereafter fails either to tie the score or gain the lead.
(f) No pitcher shall be credited with pitching a shutout unless he pitches the complete game, or unless he
enters the game with none out before the opposing team has scored in the first inning, puts out the side without
a run scoring and pitches all the rest of the game. When two or more pitchers combine to pitch a shutout a
notation to that effect should be included in the league's official pitching records.
(g) In some non championship games (such as the Major League All Star Game) it is provided in advance
that each pitcher shall work a stated number of innings, usually two or three. In such games, it is customary to
credit the victory to the pitcher of record, whether starter or reliever, when the winning team takes a lead which it
maintains to the end of the game, unless such pitcher is knocked out after the winning team has a commanding
lead, and the scorer believes a subsequent pitcher is entitled to credit for the victory.
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.