Loss (baseball) facts for kids

In baseball, a loss (marked as L) is a statistic given to a pitcher. It means their team was the one that lost the game. It's the opposite of a "win" for a pitcher.

What is a Baseball Loss?

A baseball loss happens when a pitcher is officially responsible for their team losing a game. This statistic is an important part of a pitcher's overall performance record. It helps show how well they are doing during the season.

The Pitcher's Role

The pitcher is a key player on a baseball team. Their main job is to throw the ball to the batter from the other team. They try to get the batter out. Pitchers play a big role in whether their team wins or loses. They are on the mound for many innings.

How a Loss is Decided

A pitcher gets a loss if they are on the mound when the opposing team scores the winning run. This run must put the other team ahead for good. The pitcher must also be the one who allowed that run to score. This can happen in different ways.

When Does a Pitcher Get a Loss?

A starting pitcher usually gets the loss if they leave the game when their team is behind. If their team never catches up, that pitcher gets the loss. For example, if a pitcher gives up a home run that puts the other team ahead, and their team doesn't score again, they get the loss.

What About Relief Pitchers?

Sometimes, a relief pitcher gets the loss. Relief pitchers come into the game after the starting pitcher. If a relief pitcher lets the other team score the run that makes them win, the relief pitcher gets the loss. This happens even if the game was tied when they came in.

Why Win-Loss Records are Important

Every pitcher has a "win-loss record." This record shows how many wins (W) and losses (L) they have. For example, a pitcher with a 10-5 record has 10 wins and 5 losses. This record helps fans and coaches see how effective a pitcher has been. It's one way to measure a pitcher's success.