earned run average
- Noun:
- A baseball pitching statistic: "earned run average" is a statistical measure used in baseball to evaluate a pitcher's effectiveness. It represents the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched. Earned runs are runs scored without the aid of errors or passed balls by the defense.
- Noun:
- A lower earned run average indicates a more effective pitcher.
- The pitcher's excellent earned run average of 2.50 helped his team win the championship.
- When comparing two pitchers, analysts often look at their earned run average first.
- Noun:
- His earned run average led the league this season.
- To calculate the earned run average, divide the total earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched, then multiply by nine.
- A starting pitcher needs to maintain a consistent earned run average to remain in the rotation.
"to lead the league in earned run average": to have the best (lowest) ERA statistic among all qualifying pitchers in the league.
- The rookie sensation led the league in earned run average.
"to post an earned run average of [number]": to achieve a specific ERA over a period.
- He posted an impressive earned run average of 1.89 after the All-Star break.
"to inflate one's earned run average": to cause one's ERA statistic to become worse (higher).
- Giving up five runs in the first inning will quickly inflate a pitcher's earned run average.
ERA (n): The common abbreviation for "earned run average".
- His ERA was under 3.00 for the third consecutive year.
Earned run (n): A run that is scored without the benefit of a defensive error or a passed ball, which counts toward the ERA calculation.
- Only two of the five runs he allowed were earned runs.
- Pitching statistic: A general term for any metric used to measure a pitcher's performance.
- ERA: The direct abbreviation.
Unearned run (n): A run that scores due to a defensive error or passed ball; it does not count toward the earned run average.
- The pitcher was fortunate that three runs were unearned, so his earned run average wasn't affected.
Innings pitched (n): The total number of defensive outs a pitcher has recorded, divided by three; this is a key component in calculating the earned run average.
- Quality start (n): A statistic for a starting pitcher who completes at least six innings while allowing three or fewer earned runs, directly related to a good earned run average for that game.
- (baseball) a measure of a pitcher's effectiveness; calculated as the average number of earned runs allowed by the pitcher for every nine innings pitched