A save in a 20-1 game? You bet!!!

[PowderedH2O]

On Saturday, Jake Thompson of the Phillies came in to start the 7th inning to relieve starter Vince Velasquez. Thompson pitched very well for three innings and earned a save. When Thompson came in, the score was 19-1 Philadelphia over the Marlins (it finished at 20-1). I've never seen a save on such a lopsided game. By rule, he certainly earned the save (more so than a lot of pitchers who pitch to only a batter or two). Has anyone ever seen a save awarded in such a lopsided performance (before the reliever came in)?

[frankbmd]

Pitching the last three innings of the game your team wins is one of the criteria to award a save regardless of the score.

I would be willing to bet that there have been more saves because of this rule, than there have been losses credited to a pitcher entering the game with an 18 run lead.;)

[1952boyntoncollector]

All i know is the Phillies manager was happy to face the Marlins.....the perfect time to play them after so much criticism ..

The marlins look like a 120+ loss team...

[clydepepper]

Someone got a save several years ago in a 30-3 game. Nuts!

The save is a stat that is in dire need of tweaking.

[PADIDiver]

I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing! I personally feel like a save should only occur in a 1 run game or 2 runs if there is a runner on base... Winning by 3 to start the 9th doesn't seem too too hard (for pro's, probably tough for an amateur like me!). I'm curious to see how many blown saves there have been with a 3 run lead (% wise)

[tschock]

The "Save" should factor the following:

Inning entered into the game (to qualify for a save vs win)
Runs ahead at the time
Innings pitched during appearance
Average runs scored per games across the league
Situational Run Opportunity (which factors in # of outs and runners on (specific) base(s) when entering the game)


The actual formula is left to the student. :)