Winning pitcher?

[tcochran]

For odd selection of winning pitcher, see

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/league/boxscore.html?group_id=88902&g_id=765

a. Starting pitcher went 4-1/3 innings and left game with a 4-3 lead.

b. Opponents never regained the lead.

Why is relief pitcher shown with the win?

[AeroDave10]

By rule, a starting pitcher must complete 5 innings to be eligible to be credited with a victory. This exists both in MLB and SOM.

[schnoogens]

Since some people may not have been aware of the 5 IP rule, here's another little-known pitching quirk:

A relief pitcher that pitches at least 3 innings and maintains the lead through the end of the game (and is not the winning pitcher) gets credit for a save. Yes, saves can be earned in 20-5 blowout games.

[AeroDave10]

[quote:6cab9e8142="Schnoogens"]
A relief pitcher that pitches at least 3 innings and maintains the lead through the end of the game (and is not the winning pitcher) gets credit for a save. Yes, saves can be earned in 20-5 blowout games.[/quote:6cab9e8142]

That is solid evidence as to how meaningless that statistic is. What is that guy "saving"? I'd be surprised to see what would happen if the save statistic was abolished. Would relief pitcher usage tendencies be modified? I would think so.

Imagine this scenario:
It's the top of the 7th, the bases are loaded in a 4-2 game against the Rays, Jon Lester is clearly laboring through 114 pitches. The Red Sox have the top of their lineup due up in the bottom of the 7th. The next three hitters are Longoria, Pena, and Zobrist. Who do you want to come in to relieve? Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, or Jonathan Papelbon? I'd think it's Papelbon hands down. You want the guy with the best stuff to come in when you need him the most.

[tcochran]

Thanks for the info about the 5 IP rule. Guess I've not been paying close enough attention!