Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 2/21/2008

Question
I play baseball and I'm not sure who gets the loss in this situation... I started and pitching 5 innings and gave up 5 runs.  When I came out after 5 innings, we were losing 5-0.  The next pitcher comes in and gives up 3 runs in the 6th inning and we are now trailing 8-0.  My team scores 6 runs in the 8th inning.  We lose the game 8-6.  Who gets the loss?  I just thought that I get the no decision because we surpassed the 5 runs that i gave up and the reliever that came in for me gets the loss.  Is that true?

Answer
Derek,

Sorry buddy - you get the loss.  Whichever pitcher is in the game when their team gives up the lead, gets the loss.  If a pitcher leaves the game with their team behind, it doesn't matter how many runs are scored if their team always remains behind, they still get the loss.  However, if their team ties the score or takes the lead, the pitcher is let off the hook.

Hope this helps!

Brian