Blown Save

What Does a Blown Save Mean in Baseball?

In baseball, the term “blown save” (BS) is assigned to a relief pitcher who enters the game in a save opportunity but fails to maintain the lead for their team, allowing the tying or go-ahead runs to score. This situation is a critical element of the game as relief pitchers are called upon to preserve their team’s lead in the later innings, often with narrow margins. The concept of a blown save hinges on the role of the ‘closer,’ a specialized relief pitcher brought in to secure the final outs and clinch the team’s victory.

Statistically, a blown save does not necessarily impact a pitcher’s earned run average (ERA) because the tying run may not be charged to the reliever if inherited runners score. While not officially scored in the same manner as wins, losses, or saves, a blown save reflects on a relief pitcher’s reliability in high-pressure situations. It’s important for club management and fans as it can reveal a weakness in the bullpen that they may need to address.

Understanding a blown save provides insight into the nuances of baseball strategy and bullpen management. Managers must often make critical decisions about when to pull a starting pitcher and which reliever to deploy, with the knowledge that a game’s outcome can hinge on these choices. Relief pitchers are often judged by their ability to execute in save situations, and accumulating blown saves can alter a player’s perceived value and role on the team.

Understanding Saves in Baseball

In baseball, the save is a statistic that credits a pitcher for preserving a team’s lead. Understanding this metric requires knowing its definition and the specific criteria that qualify a pitching appearance as a save.

Definition of a Save

A save (SV) is an official Major League Baseball (MLB) statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who meets certain performance criteria. The primary role of the pitcher in a save situation is to secure victory for the team by maintaining its lead through the end of the game.

Criteria for a Save

To be credited with a save, a reliever must satisfy the following conditions:

• The pitcher enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning.
• Alternatively, the reliever comes into the game with the potential tying run either on base, at bat, or on deck.
• The pitcher is not the winning pitcher.
• The pitcher finishes the game but is not credited with a save if they qualify for the win.

A pitcher cannot create their own save situation; if they do so by allowing base runners and then maintains the lead, a save is not awarded.

Explaining a Blown Save

A blown save is an important statistic in baseball, indicating a relief pitcher’s missed opportunity to maintain a lead and secure victory.

Conditions for a Blown Save

A pitcher is charged with a blown save when three conditions are met:

1. The Pitch enters in a Save Situation:
   • They replaced a pitcher when their team is ahead.
   • The tying run is either on base, at-bat, or on deck.
   • They pitch for at least one inning when the team is ahead by three runs or less.
   • They enter with a lead they’ve preserved from the beginning of the game or from a tied game.
2. The Pitcher Fails to Preserve the Lead:
   • The opposing team ties the game or takes the lead.
3. The Game’s Final Outcome Doesn’t Affect the Statistic:
   • Whether the pitcher’s team eventually wins or loses, the blown save is recorded.

Implications of a Blown Save

The implications of a blown save are twofold, impacting both the relief pitcher’s record and team dynamics.

• Effect on the Pitcher:
  • The statistic counts against a pitcher’s save opportunities.
  • Frequent blown saves can lead to reevaluation of the pitcher’s role.
• Team Consequences:
  • They can signal a loss of momentum.
  • They may prompt teams to adjust their bullpen strategy.