That depends on the circumstance.
If the starting pitcher doesn't make it through 5 innings but his team is leading then it's up to the official scorer to determine which reliever deserves the win by how well he pitched in the game - in most cases whichever reliever comes in first will be awarded the win.
However if a starting pitcher pitches through 5 innings and the team holds on to the lead then he'll be awarded the win.
A pitcher can get a loss no matter if the runs are earned or not. This statistic is tracked for the purpose of calculating a pitchers ERA or earned run average it really has nothing to do with a pitchers win loss record.
There is a line of thought that pitchers shouldn't win the award because they aren't everyday players. The last pitcher to win an MVP award was American League reliever Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland A's in 1992.
A relief Pitcher comes into the game, with a 1 run lead in the 6 th inning. Then give up a run. Game is tied. In the 8 th relief pitchers team scores 2 runs & they win. Who gets the win & or save .
In a Major League Baseball game, Starting Pitchers can pitch as many innings as needed, it is up to the discretion of his Manager however Starting Pitchers must pitch 5 innings in order to qualify for a win.
Yes
It helps resolve the issue of "Who was the better pitcher?" Win-loss records for pitchers are just one stat (but an important one) in resolving this issue. In 1972, Steve Carlton was 27-10 on a team that lost 97 games. He was great, his team sucked.
Your 2003 San Francisco Giants.
The Nascar driver who started the race, gets the points and the credit for the win. It doesn't matter who finished the race for them.
Walter Johnson was one of baseball's greatest pitchers. He won a total of 416 games.
dd
They will need to find a consistent closer in the bullpen and stay away from injuries to their top starting pitchers. They have the offense and defense to compete.
The Detroit Tigers have never had four 20-game winners in a single season.