Rule 10.19(c)(4)

[eJules]

The scorekeeper strikes. Chris Ray of the Orioles got credited with a win under the ineffective relief pitcher rule last night. Brower, who pitched the bottem of the 8th inning in a tie game, gave up a hit and then recorded the out via a caught stealing. (presumably, if it was a pickoff, the scorer would have credited him with the win?) The Birds got three in the top of the ninth, and Chris Ray came on for the apparant save. However, the scorer credited him with the win instead under Rule 10.19(c)(4).

How many times has this rule been used? I have to think it's rarer than a triple play.

[Erik Bedard]

You are right in saying that if it was a pickoff, then he would have gotten the win. I remember a couple years ago, (incidentally this also involved the Orioles), B.J. Ryan got the win without throwing a single pitch. However, you are incorrect in saying that it was a tie game. Tampa Bay was ahead 4-3, Brower came in, allowed a hit to make it 5-3, then the Orioles got one more before winning the game on Melvin Mora's home run with two out.