Baseball Run Calculation Earned Runs: A Deep Dive

Understanding how runs are calculated and whether they are considered earned in baseball can be a complex subject, especially when errors are involved. This article aims to clarify the nuances of this topic, focusing on specific scenarios and the role of the official scorer.

The Role of the Official Scorer

In baseball, there isn't a straightforward rule that dictates whether runs scored after an error are considered earned. The Official Scorer plays a crucial role in determining whether runs are earned or unearned, based on specific guidelines.

Understanding 'Earned Runs'

According to the Official Scorer, earned runs are runs that score against a pitcher without the benefit of an error. However, if the official scorer decides that one or both of the batters would have scored anyway, without the error, the runs would be considered earned.

Scenario Analysis

1. Two Batters Walked and Score on an Error

Scenario 1: In an inning, a pitcher walks two batters (Abel and Baker). Abel was at third base, attempted to score on the batted ball, but scored on an error at first base. Bach was at second base and scored on the same play.

Outcome: If there were less than two outs, the run by Abel would be considered earned, as he would have scored regardless of the error. The run by Baker, on the other hand, would be unearned, as he likely wouldn't have scored without the error.

Scenario 2: If there were two outs, both runs would be unearned. The inning would have ended, and subsequent runs would not be earned.

2. The Throw to First Base

The throw to first base in a fielder's choice scenario is never a Fielder’s Choice. The official scorer will consider the context of the play, including the number of outs and the base runners' positions at the start of the play.

3. Rule 9.16

Here’s the relevant rule from the official baseball rulebook, Rule 9.16:

Rule 9.16: In determining earned runs, the Official Scorer shall reconstruct the inning without the errors, excluding catcher's interference and passed balls, giving the benefit of the doubt always to the pitcher in determining which bases would have been reached by runners had there been errorless play.

Example 1:

Inning: Peter pitching, Abel walks, Baker walks. Charlie hits a ground ball to second, and there is a wild throw to first, resulting in both runners scoring and Charlie ending up on second. Dave homers.

Outcome: All runs would be earned and charged to Peter. The most likely reconstruction shows that without the error, the runners would have been at second and third when the HR was hit, and they would have scored anyway.

Example 2:

Inning: Peter pitching, Abel walks, Baker walks. Charlie strikes out, Dave strikes out. Edgar hits a ground ball to second, and there is a wild throw to first, resulting in both runners scoring and Charlie ending up on second. Frank homers.

Outcome: All three runs would be unearned, and charged to Peter. If you reconstruct the inning, the error would have been the third out, and the inning would have ended.

Example 3:

Inning: Peter pitching, Abel walks, Baker walks. Charlie strikes out, Dave strikes out. Roger relieves Peter. Edgar hits a ground ball to second, and there is a wild throw to first, resulting in both runners scoring and Charlie ending up on second. Frank homers.

Outcome: The two runs scored on the error would be unearned and charged to Peter. Frank's run would be earned and charged to Roger. All three runs would be charged to the team as unearned runs.

Why is This Rule Strangely Unique?

The rule that states when pitchers are changed during an inning, the relief pitcher does not have the benefit of previous chances for outs when determining earned runs can be quite confusing. In Example 3, Roger, the reliever, does not benefit from the wild throw that could have been the third out for Peter. This rule reflects the complexity of scoring runs earned in baseball.

Conclusion

The determination of earned runs is a multifaceted process that involves the situational context, the official scorer's judgment, and the rules outlined in the MLB rulebook. Understanding these nuances can help baseball fans, coaches, and officials make more informed decisions about scoring and player performance.