Rivera-Save Rule

Over my head, but an interesting question. Try the "statistics and scorekeeping" forum. I'd bet one of the resident experts there will know the answer.

I think a pitcher has to pitch the entire last inning to get a save when there is a three run lead. If the tying run is on deck, the pitcher can get a save by getting one out. Rivera would have got the save had he pitched the entire 9th inning or if he would have come in with at least one baserunner on. (tying run on deck)

PGStaff is correct...

Here's the rule from the MLB rule book:


Saves:
Rule 10.20 in the Official Rule Book states:
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
- (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
- (b) 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 batsmen he faces; or
- (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

Thanks for clarifacation, I failed to carefully read the rule book.

Well to be honest I "googled" it and found it on some other site and copied it here...lol