GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
Which pitcher is charged when an inherited runner scores?
If an inherited runner scores, an earned run can remain charged to the pitcher who put that runner on base. The relief pitcher is not charged with that run in ERA, but MLB's inherited-runs-allowed statistic counts the runner who scores while the reliever is in the game.
For Bettors and cappers learning to read baseball records · Updated
ERA follows the pitcher who left the runner
An inherited runner is already on base when a relief pitcher enters. MLB's earned-run definition says that earned runs scored by runners a pitcher leaves on base count against that departing pitcher.
That keeps earned-run responsibility separate from which pitcher is on the mound when the runner crosses home.
IR-A records what happens during relief
MLB's inherited-runs-allowed definition counts each inherited runner who scores while a reliever is in the game. It adds context for the reliever because those inherited runs are not charged to that reliever's ERA.
The count records a scoring event; it does not change which pitcher receives the earned-run credit under the official scoring rules.
Hypothetical pitching change
Fictional example: a starter leaves runners on first and second, and a reliever enters. Both inherited runners later score. If the scorer rules both runs earned, they are charged to the starter's earned-run total; the reliever is charged with two inherited runs allowed because both scored during the relief appearance.
Related questions
Does an inherited runner's run increase the reliever's ERA?
Not when that runner was left on base by the previous pitcher; MLB says inherited runners who score are not charged to the reliever's ERA.
Can the reliever still have inherited runs allowed?
Yes. Each inherited runner who scores while the reliever is in the game counts against the reliever's IR-A total.