The Rare Phenomenon: A Pitcher Earning a Win Without Throwing a Pitch
Introduction
In the world of baseball, certain situations can create unique and rare occurrences. One of the most fascinating among these is a pitcher earning a win without throwing a single pitch. This is typically observed in situations where a relief pitcher enters the game and immediately secures a win for his team before getting his first pitch in.
Understanding the Situation
The rules of Major League Baseball allow for this unusual outcome. Essentially, if a starting pitcher is removed from the game and a relief pitcher follows, the win can sometimes be credited to the reliever, even if he doesn’t throw a pitch. This phenomenon is made possible by the outcomes of fielding plays or runs scored before the reliever registers their first pitch.
Historical Examples
Greg Garrett's Famous No-Pitch Win
One of the most well-documented instances of a pitcher earning a win without throwing a pitch occurred on July 1, 1970. Greg Garrett, a relief pitcher for the California Angels, entered the game in the bottom of the 6th inning with two outs and a runner on first. The Angels were down 2–1. Garrett picked off Tommy Harper at first base, ending the inning immediately. However, the Angels went on to score three runs in the top of the 7th, securing a 4–3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Other Known Incidents
Two other notable examples of a pitcher earning a win without throwing a pitch are by Alan Embree and BJ Ryan.
Alan Embree (July 7, 2009)
On July 7, 2009, Alan Embree came into the game for the Colorado Rockies in the top of the 8th inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, he picked off Austin Kearns on first base, securing the third out. The Rockies then scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th, and Embree was credited with the win.
BJ Ryan (May 1, 2003)
In a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now known as the Tampa Bay Rays), BJ Ryan entered the game in the bottom of the 7th inning. With two outs, he picked off Omar Infante at first base, securing the third out. The Orioles then scored in the top of the 8th, and Ryan was credited with the win.
Hypothetical Scenario
While the historical examples are clear and concrete, a hypothetical scenario can further illustrate the concept:
Imagine the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. The score is tied 2–2 in the top of the 8th inning, with the bases loaded and two outs. Zach Britton comes into play as a reliever. There are two scenarios that could lead to Britton earning a win without throwing a pitch:
If Britton picks off a baserunner at first base, securing the third out, and the Birds score in the bottom of the 9th, Zach Britton will have no throws but will still be credited with the win.
If a hidden ball trick is executed by the shortstop, leading to the third out, and the Birds score in the bottom of the 9th, Zach Britton will again have no throws but will still be awarded the win.
In both cases, the winning scenario for the Birds is complete, and Britain gets the win without making a single pitch.
Conclusion
The concept of a pitcher earning a win without throwing a pitch is both unique and rare. While it may seem unfair at first glance, the rules of the game and the outcome of the game are what matter. These incidents remind us of the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the many factors that can influence the outcome of a game, even before the pitcher takes the mound.