Baseball question...

...In all my years playing and watching I've NEVER understood what makes a game elligable to be saved... I know if a guy comes in with a one or two run lead he can pick up the save, but when it gets to 4 runs I've seen it go either way... how does it differ... I'm missing something in all this.

 

Here's my basic understanding:

If a pitcher comes into a game up 3 runs or less, and gets the final out, he gets a save. This is the rule whether he pitches 1/3 of an inning or 2 2/3 innings. Also, if a pitcher comes into a game and gets the final 9 outs (3 innings) of a win, regardless of the score, that's also a save.

I may be mistaken, but that's my understanding of it.

 

SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
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.

MLB Official Rulebook

 

I think it may also be outs to runs........say a guy come in with a five run lead pitches the 8th and 9th, he gets a save.....i think.