Definition

Noun: A run in baseball that is scored due to a defensive error or a passed ball by the opposing team, and for which the pitcher is therefore not held accountable in their earned run average (ERA) statistic.

Usage

This term is used exclusively in the context of baseball statistics to differentiate runs that are considered the pitcher's responsibility (earned runs) from those that are not. It is a key component in calculating a pitcher's ERA.

Examples

• The pitcher gave up only one unearned run in seven innings after a costly error by the shortstop.
• The final score was 3-2, with two of our runs being unearned runs.
• A run scored on a passed ball is typically ruled an unearned run.

Advanced Usage

• Official Scoring: The official scorer determines whether a run is earned or unearned by reconstructing the inning without the defensive miscue. If the run would not have scored without the error, it is an unearned run.
• Statistical Impact: Unearned runs do not count against a pitcher's Earned Run Average (ERA), which is a critical measure of pitching performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Earned Run (noun): A run for which the pitcher is held responsible, scored without the benefit of an error or a passed ball. It is the direct antonym of an unearned run.
• Error (noun): A defensive misplay that allows a batter to reach base or a runner to advance, which is the typical cause of an unearned run.
• Passed Ball (noun): A pitch that the catcher should have controlled, allowing a runner to advance; it can also lead to an unearned run.

Synonyms

• There is no direct single-word synonym. The concept is described as "a run scored due to an error" or "a run not charged to the pitcher."

Related Phrases

• Unearned run average is not a standard statistic. The focus is on the individual run, not an average.
• Score an unearned run: The common verb phrase used with this term.
  • The runner scored an unearned run after the throwing error.

Noun

1. a run that was scored as a result of an error by the other team