A save situation in baseball occurs when a relief pitcher enters the game under specific conditions that allow him to earn a save if he maintains his team's lead and finishes the game. The key criteria that define a save situation include:
- The pitcher enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning.
- The pitcher enters the game with the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck.
- The pitcher pitches for at least three innings to finish the game, regardless of the lead size.
In essence, a save situation typically arises late in the game when the lead is small and the relief pitcher is tasked with preserving that lead to secure the win for his team. This is usually the role of a "closer," a specialized relief pitcher.
The concept emphasizes the pressure and importance of the pitcher's role in maintaining the lead under challenging circumstances.
