Expert: Tom Schott - 6/8/2010

Question
What is the fewest number of pitches that it has ever taken to complete one-half an inning?  I know the answer could be 3, but if this has been done, how often does it happen?  I don't mean how many pitches by 1 pitcher in an inning (i.e. bases loaded, no outs, 1 pitch and triple play), but all of the pitches by all of the pitchers in that half inning to retire the side.

Answer
Shannon,

Three pitches is the fewest number of pitches it would take to retire the side. And this feat has been done quite a number of times, and our records are not even complete. You can find a comprehensive list of pitchers who have accomplished this feat at:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/3_pitch_inning.shtml