Save opportunity in baseball?

Question

I saw the scores in the Yankee game the other night, I think it was against Toronto, the final score was 10-5. How does the Yankee closer get a save in a game which it is a two swing game.

Answer 1

When Rivera entered the game in the 8th inning, Toronto had the tying run at 2nd base. Since he entered the game at that point, he was credited with the save. Had he come into the game to pitch the 9th inning like most closers do, it wouldn't have been a save situation because the Yankees had just scored 4 runs in their half of the 9th.

As long as the pitcher coming into the game enters with the tying run on base, at the plate, or even on deck it's a save situation (7th inning or later only). For instance, Rivera could have come in during the 9th inning with the bases loaded and still picked up a save.

Another way that I've seen already this year is if a reliever enters with a lead and completes the final 3 innings to close the game.....that's also a save no matter how many runs they are ahead.

Of course the way we're used to now is if a closer enters the game for the 9th inning and the lead is 3 runs or fewer, that's a save too.

Answer 2

Rivera entered the game in the 8th when the score was 6-5. He held the lead, and was the final pitcher when the game ended. He got a SAVE.

Answer 3

You get a save by pitching with your team in the lead, but they must be up by only 3 runs or less.

Since the Yankees were up by 5 there was no save oppurtunity for their closer.

Answer 4

This is so watered down.
Old days you had to come in in the 7th and hold and not allow the game to be won That was a save.
Now you smile and throw a ball and get an artificial save.
Sorry. Not for me

Answer 5

The save opportunity depends on the status of the game the moment the reliever enters the game.

Rule 10.19, go read it.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp

Answer 6

He came into the game when it was still a save opportunity.

You want to check 10.19 for the wording of the rule, and check the boxscore to confirm what I've said.

Answer 7

he came to pitch to the potential tying and go ahead runs in the 8th. he got out of it and than pitched the 9th. they scored 4 in the top of the 9th and close it. you might not have known he came in the 8th only down 1

Answer 8

Mariano is gonna have no more than 10 saves, because Joe never uses him and when he does they are up by like 20 billion.