<P> If a pitcher leaves the game with his team in the lead or with the score tied, but with the go - ahead run on base, and this runner subsequently scores the go - ahead run, the pitcher who allowed this runner to reach base is responsible for the loss . This is true regardless of the manner in which this batter originally reached base, and how he subsequently scored . If the relief pitching successfully completes the half - inning without surrendering the go - ahead run, the departed pitcher cannot receive a loss . </P> <P> For example, on April 13, 2007, Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs was facing the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the 5th inning . He was taken out of the game with the Cubs leading 5--4 and the bases loaded . The pitcher who replaced him, Will Ohman, proceeded to allow two of the runners on base to score, giving the Reds a 6--5 lead . Although Zambrano was not pitching at the time the runs were scored, he was charged with the loss, as the base runners who scored were his responsibility . </P> <P> The pitchers who receive the win and the loss are known, collectively, as the pitchers of record . A pitcher who starts a game but leaves without earning either a win or a loss (that is, before either team gains or surrenders the ultimate lead) is said to have received a no decision, regardless of his individual performance . A pitcher's total wins and losses are commonly noted together; for instance, a pitching record of 12--10 indicates 12 wins and 10 losses . </P> <P> In the early years of Major League Baseball before 1900 it was common for an exceptional pitcher to win 30 or more games in one season with Old Hoss Radbourn of the defunct Providence Grays holding the record with 59 wins in 1884 . Since 1900, however, pitchers have made fewer and fewer starts and the standard has changed . Gradually, as hitting improved, better pitching was needed . This meant, among other things, throwing the ball much harder, and it became unrealistic to ask a pitcher to throw nearly as hard as he could for over 100 pitches a game without giving him several days to recover . </P>

How to determine the winning pitcher in softball
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