In MLB, for a relief pitcher, does SV mean saves? How is a save determined?

Question

Does the relief pitcher have to bring his team back from a deficit, or does he simply have to hold on and win the game? Does the starting pitcher then get the W ? Please explain these stats.

Answer 1

The thing to remember is that the save situation is entirely dependent upon the status of the game when the relief pitcher first takes the mound.

MLB Rule 10.19 Saves For Relief Pitchers

A save is a statistic credited to a relief pitcher, as set forth in this Rule 10.19.

The official scorer shall credit a pitcher with a save when such pitcher meets all four of the following conditions:
(a) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team;

(b) He is not the winning pitcher;

(c) He is credited with at least a third of an inning pitched; and

(d) He satisfies one of the following conditions:
(1) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning;

(2) 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 batters he faces); or

(3) He pitches for at least three innings.

Answer 2

If his team is leading when he enters, he doesn't get a save. However, if it is the 7th inning and gets the next 9 outs, he gets a save. If his team is leading by 3 runs or less in the 9th and he doesn't blow it for his team, he gets the save.

Answer 3

yes that means save

to get the save your team has to be up by three runs or less and pitch to end the game so your team wins

Answer 4

if the tying run is on deck or at bat, then it is a save situation. the starter does get the win, the closer just keeps the lead.