Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/30/2010

Question
High School game, we are the visiting team.  Starting Pitcher (Jim), completes 5 innings with the score 6-2 in favor of the other (home) team.  In the top of the 6th inning, we score 6 runs to go ahead 8-6.  In the bottom of the 6th inning, a replacement pitcher (Tom) takes the mound at the beginning of the bottom half of the 6th.  Tom pitches 2 scoreless innings and we (visiting team) win the game.  My understanding of the rule is the pitcher of record when the winning run was scored, is the winning pitcher, but is the pitcher of record the pitcher (Jim) who last pitched in the bottom of the 5th, or the the relief pitcher (Tom) who pitched in the bottom of the 6th, the inning in which the winning run was scored?

Thanks for taking the time to educate!

Answer
Mike,

Jim would get the win.  The new pitcher isn't considered to be in the game or a pitcher of record until they throw a pitch.  Since the team took the lead when the starting pitcher was still in the game, the starter benefits.

Hope this helps!

Brian