Brainteaser #06- Smallest Pitch Count -
What is the fewest number of pitches that a pitcher can pitch in a non rain-shortened game without any
pitching infractions and still be credited with a complete game? Note that a complete game is awarded to
a pitcher when he or she has pitched every inning played and faced every batter in the game without the
benefit of a relief pitcher.
HINT: The answer is not 27 (that would be too easy) and the answer ISN'T 24 either.
ANSWER:
Before 2017: 25 pitches. After 2017: 0 pitches.
EXPLANATION: As per the rules of baseball, the home team, batting second, does not play the
bottom of the ninth inning if they are winning. So the pitcher that is pitching for the visiting team
will not pitch the ninth inning if their team is already losing. So, what is the fewest number of
pitches a pitcher can pitch in 8 innings and be behind in the game? Each batter faced, except for one,
would have to swing at the first pitch and hit into an out (24 pitches), with the remaining batter
swinging at the first pitch and hitting a home run making a total of 25 pitches.
Thank you Preston Grice for pointing out that as of the 2017 MLB season, a pitcher
can intentionally walk a batter without throwing any pitches. So a pitcher could intentionally walk every
batter in the game and then tag out (pick off) the baserunner attempting to steal a base.
Thank you Jack Taylor for pointing out that anything that allows the batter to get to first base
on just one pitch (e.g. base hit, hit by pitch, etc.) followed by a bunch of errors or stolen bases
would also allow a run to be scored on just one pitch not just a home run.
Do you have a
suggestion for this puzzle (e.g. something that should
be mentioned/clarified in the question or solution, bug, typo, etc.)?