Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 2/25/2008

Question
MLB rules state that a starting pitcher must go 5 innings to get the win.  Example, team is behind after 3.5 innings.  In the bottom of the third his team takes the lead, but the manager replaces him at the top of the 4th.  MLB would give the win to the most productive relieve pitcher.  Question - highschool baseball is seven innings.  Does the starter have to go 5 to get a win?

Answer
Ross,

It depends on what rule book is used.  If the high school rulebook doesn't talk to scoring (and I'm not sure that it does) typically the book will have some language that whatever isn't discussed in this book is covered by the major league rules.  In that case, the pitcher would have to go five innings.  However if there are rules for scoring either in the high school book for your state or there are some appended rules that the schools use, then go by them.

Hope this gives you a place to start!

Brian