How does Glendon Rusch get a save in this situation.

[Brian Gentz]

Last night Matt Clement pitched 6 complete innings and left the game when the score was 10-4, in the Cubs half of the 6th inning Clement was taken down for a pinch hitter and they scored 2 more to make it 12-4. Glendon Rusch comes in and pitches the 7th, 8th & 9th and the final score was 13-4 and Rusch was given a Save for his work. How is that.

[Red Dog]

If you finish a game - pitch 3 full innings of relief and hold the lead, you get a save (one of the 3 ways to earn a save).

[Josh H]

Rule 10.20 in the Official Rule Book states:

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

[BrewCrew]

In this type of situation the official scorer has final say if he gets the save or not. Since he didn't give up any runs in 3 innings he got the save. If he would have given up say 3 runs in 3 innings he probably would not.

[Brian Gentz]

I see, thanks because he got a save in a similiar situation and I was confused than, Thanks for putting the complete rule because I always wondered about it.

[Da Thrilla]

Yeah...the save rule(s) are kind of screwey. (sp)