Perfect game

Written byNick Gilden Hours Last Updated on Categories Baseball

What is the Meaning of a Perfect Game in Baseball?

A perfect game is officially called when one or more pitchers put out every batter on the offensive team over the course of the entire game. Perfect games that last nine innings are also referred to with the phrase “27 up, 27 down” – in other words, no player from the opposing team must reach a single base throughout all nine innings in order for the game to be classified as a perfect game. This includes the runner reaching base safely by any means, i.e. through hits, walks, third strikes that are uncaught, catcher’s interference or fielders, or fielding errors.

Do Fielders Contribute to Perfect Games?

The pitcher relies on the help of the rest of the defensive team to achieve a perfect game. The defensive team are responsible for putting out any hitters who manage to hit the ball, either by catching the ball on the fly or putting them out before they reach first base. While perfect games are not awarded to pitchers if the defensive team commit an error that enables a player on the opposing team to reach first base, this does not apply if the error takes place in foul territory.

What Else Does a Pitcher Achieve From a Perfect Game?

By the definition of a perfect game, a pitcher who achieves this status has also attained a no-hitter and a shutout by default.

How Rare is a Perfect Game in Baseball?

A perfect game in baseball is one of the rarest accomplishments in the sport. A perfect game has only been accomplished 23 times in Major League Baseball history. As such, it is widely considered one of the most difficult feats in baseball and only a select few pitchers have been able to accomplish it.

Can a Pitcher Lose a Perfect Game?

No, a pitcher cannot lose a perfect game. However, if a fielder makes an error that allows a batter to reach first base, the game is no longer considered perfect and the pitcher does not receive credit for it.

Has there Ever Been a 27-Strikeout Baseball Game?

No, there has never been a 27-strikeout baseball game. The highest number of strikeouts recorded in 9 innings is twenty.

I'm Nick, a professional researcher & writer by day and a die-hard baseball fan by night. I have a deep love and knowledge of the game and love sharing it with others. I've been involved in baseball in one way or another for as long as I can remember - playing the game on an amateur level since I was a kid, writing about the game for my college newspaper, and now working with some of the biggest names in baseball media.