how many innings must a starting pitcher be involved to record a win or loss

by Ben
(Mi)

Ben asked: How many innings must a starting pitcher be involved to record a win or a loss.?

Is it 5 or 7? I can't remember.


Rick answered: Ben, thank you for your question.

In high school the starting pitcher has to pitch the first 4 innings or more, team must be ahead when he's replaced and must hold the lead for the remainder of the game.

There is no standard for a loss. A pitcher could start the game, face one batter, to which he gives up a home run, and gets replaced.

The game ends at 1-0, starting pitcher is on the hook for the loss.

MLB starting pitcher is 5 innings.

No standard for a loss.

Yours in baseball,

Rick