<P> The second exception applies if the relief pitcher who last pitched prior to the half - inning when the winning team took the lead for the last time was "ineffective in a brief appearance" in the official scorer's judgment, in which case the win is awarded to the succeeding relief pitcher who, in the official scorer's judgment, was the most effective . </P> <P> In the Major League Baseball All - Star Game, every pitcher is considered as a relief pitcher for the purpose of this rule . For example, a starting pitcher, Matt Cain, was awarded the win in the 2012 All - Star Game despite throwing only two innings . </P> <P> If a relief pitcher blew a save after the starting pitcher is subbed out on an easy - save, even if it is a shutout when he leaves the field, the starting pitcher will not be credited a win if they win in extra innings . </P> <P> The losing pitcher is the pitcher who allows the go - ahead run to reach base for a lead that the winning team never relinquishes . If a pitcher allows a run which gives the opposing team the lead, his team comes back to lead or tie the game, and then the opposing team regains the lead against a subsequent pitcher, the earlier pitcher does not get the loss . </P>

When does a pitcher get credit for a win