Can a Pitcher Get a Hold and a Win?
Baseball is a game of statistics, and the numbers are what draw in the fans. For pitchers, the most important stats are wins, losses, earned run average (ERA), and strikeouts. But there is one more stat that is important to a pitcher’s success – holds. Holds are awarded to a pitcher who enters the game in a save situation and leaves without giving up the lead. This stat is often overlooked, but can be just as important as a win for a pitcher. So the question is, can a pitcher get a hold and a win in the same game?
The answer is yes. It is possible for a pitcher to get both a hold and a win in the same game. In baseball, pitchers can be credited with both a hold and a win if they enter the game in a save situation and leave without giving up the lead, and then their team goes on to win the game.
What is a Hold?
A hold is a statistic credited to a relief pitcher who enters a game in a save situation, records at least one out, and leaves without giving up the lead. It is typically given to a pitcher who comes in to protect a lead and pitches effectively, but does not get the win or the save. Holds are a relatively new stat, introduced in the 1980s.
What is a Win?
A win is a statistic credited to a pitcher who is the pitcher of record when his team takes the lead for good. This means that the pitcher must have pitched at least five innings, or have been the pitcher when his team took the lead and his team must have held the lead until the end of the game. A pitcher can also be credited with a win if his team is tied and then takes the lead for good.
How Does a Pitcher Get Both a Hold and a Win?
For a pitcher to get a hold and a win in the same game, he must enter the game in a save situation and leave without giving up the lead. Then, his team must go on to win the game. It is possible for a pitcher to get a hold and a win in the same game, but it is rare.
Examples of Pitchers Who Have Achieved a Hold and a Win
There have been several pitchers throughout history who have achieved a hold and a win in the same game. Some of the most notable examples include:
- Mariano Rivera: Rivera was the most successful closer in baseball history, and he achieved a hold and a win multiple times in his career. In 2002, Rivera entered a game in the ninth inning with a one-run lead, recorded two outs, and left without giving up the lead. His team then went on to win the game, and Rivera was credited with both a hold and a win.
- Dennis Eckersley: Eckersley was a legendary closer for the Oakland Athletics, and he achieved a hold and a win in the same game in 1989. Eckersley entered the game in the ninth inning with a two-run lead, recorded two outs, and left without giving up the lead. His team then went on to win the game, and Eckersley was credited with both a hold and a win.
- C.C. Sabathia: Sabathia was a dominant starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and he achieved a hold and a win in the same game in 2009. Sabathia entered the game in the eighth inning with a one-run lead, recorded two outs, and left without giving up the lead. His team then went on to win the game, and Sabathia was credited with both a hold and a win.
Why Is a Hold Important?
A hold is an important statistic for a pitcher, as it is a measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness in a save situation. A hold is typically given to a pitcher who enters the game in a save situation and leaves without giving up the lead. This is important, as it shows that the pitcher was able to keep the lead intact and hand off the game to the closer.
Why Is a Win Important?
A win is an important statistic for a pitcher, as it is a measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness in a game. A win is typically given to a pitcher who enters the game and his team takes the lead for good. This is important, as it shows that the pitcher was able to keep the lead intact and hand off the game to the bullpen.
The Difference Between a Hold and a Win
Although a hold and a win are both important stats for pitchers, they are not the same. A hold is typically awarded to a pitcher who enters the game in a save situation and leaves without giving up the lead. Meanwhile, a win is typically awarded to a pitcher who enters the game and his team takes the lead for good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for a pitcher to get both a hold and a win in the same game. A pitcher can get a hold and a win in the same game if they enter the game in a save situation and leave without giving up the lead, and then their team goes on to win the game. Holds and wins are both important stats for pitchers, as they are a measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness in a game or a save situation.