<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> 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> <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>

How does a pitcher get a no decision