How is is possible for a baseball pitcher to throw zero pitches and still get credit for a win?

Answer 1

He could enter the game in the top half of the ninth inning (EDIT - with the score tied OR his own team is behind), two outs, with a runner on base. Then he could pick off the runner before he throws a single pitch.

Then, in the bottom half of the ninth, his team scores enough runs to win the game. As the pitcher of record, our example pitcher would get credit for the win.

EDIT again: The status of the score is important ... if the pitcher enters the game with his team **ahead** in that scenario, the game is over when he picks off the runner. Rather than a win, our example pitcher then gets credit for a **save** if the batter at the plate or on deck represents the potential tying run.

Answer 2

Relief pitcher comes in with a runner on base, and 2 outs in the top half of the ninth inning with the score tied or the home team losing. Pitcher throws to first and picks off the runner, end of inning. In the bottom half of the inning, the home team scores the winning run(s). Pitcher gets credit for a win without throwing a single pitch.

Answer 3

BJ Ryan did it in 2003.

Baltimore at Detroit, trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, two outs, man on first. Ryan comes on in relief. Before throwing a pitch, the runner is picked off (officially, caught stealing), inning over. Orioles score three in the top of the eighth, with Ryan the pitcher of record. Groom relieves Ryan going into the bottom of the eighth. The O's add another run in the ninth, win 5-2. Ryan gets the W for 1/3 inning "pitched" while never actually throwing one.

It's rare, but possible.

Box: http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2003/B05011DET2003.htm

Answer 4

A pitcher could probably enter the game in the top of the ninth in a tie game and two outs with a runner on base and pick the runner off for the last out and subsequently be credited for the win if his team went on to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Answer 5

Pitcher enters tie game with man on base and 2 out. Picks man off base to end that inning. He is now pitcher of record. Hs team scores to take lead and pitch hits for him, thus out of game. His team never trails again, he wins with zero pitches and third inning pitched.

Answer 6

If a pitcher is subbed in while his team is tied or losing in the top of an inning (5th inning or later), and that inning ends with the batter being called out on some technicality (pine tar maybe) and then his team takes the lead in the bottom of that very inning, he gets the win

Answer 7

actually it has only happen ocne in history pitchered entered with 2 outs in the inning runner on first he use a pick off move pick the guy off first for out 3 his team took the lead the next inning asnd won the game he gets the win and neevr even threw a pitch

Answer 8

if he comes in with two outs and a runner on first in a tie game and picks off the runner. then his team scores a run when they hit.

Answer 9

The 2 guys above me got it.

Answer 10

It isn't possible.