Definition

1. Noun:
   • A run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team: In baseball and softball, an earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. It is a run that would have scored assuming there were no fielding errors or passed balls by the defensive team.

Usage

• This term is used exclusively in the context of baseball and softball statistics to evaluate a pitcher's performance.
• It is a key component in calculating a pitcher's Earned Run Average (ERA).
• The official scorer determines which runs are earned based on a reconstruction of the inning without errors.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pitcher allowed only two earned runs over seven innings.
  • His ERA is low because very few of the runs scored against him are earned runs.
  • The run was ruled an earned run because it scored on a clean double, not due to an error.

Advanced Usage

• Concept of "Unearned Run": The direct counterpart to an earned run. An unearned run scores as a direct result of a fielding error or a passed ball that should have resulted in an out.
  • After the shortstop's error, three unearned runs scored, which did not count against the pitcher's ERA.

Variants and Related Words

• Earned Run Average (ERA) (n): A statistic representing the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched. It is calculated as (Earned Runs / Innings Pitched) * 9.
  • A pitcher with an ERA under 3.00 is considered excellent.

Synonyms

• Run charged to the pitcher: A more descriptive synonym, though "earned run" is the standard statistical term.

Antonyms

• Unearned run (n): A run that scores due to an error by the defense and for which the pitcher is not held accountable in ERA calculations.

Noun

1. a run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team