Why was Todd Jones not credited for a save when he closed out a 5-2 win vs. Chicago on July 19?

Question

He pitched 2/3 of an inning to end the game. Do you need to begin the 9th to be credited with a save?

Answer 1

SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
(a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
(b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or
(c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game

The above comes from the official scoring rules of major league baseball. Hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Rule 10.20:

Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:

(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and

(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and

(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:

(a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or

(b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or

(c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

I don't believe he would qualify under condition 3b above. If there was no one on base when he came in with one out in the 9th, then he would not have faced the tying run. Therefore, no save.

Answer 3

If he came in with the bases empty, he was not credited for one because the tying run was not on deck and you can't create your own save situation. If the tying run is not on deck, you have to pitch a full inning and start it with a lead of three runs or less. The easiest possible save is to come in to start the 9th with a three-run lead; you can give up two and leave the bases loaded and it's still a save.