What is a save in baseball?

In baseball, a save is awarded to a relief pitcher who finishes a game for the winning team, under certain prescribed circumstances. Not all relief appearances that preserve a lead result in a save. The pitcher must meet specific criteria:

• The pitcher must be the last pitcher to finish the game for their team.
• The pitcher's team must be winning when the pitcher enters the game.
• The pitcher must finish the game.

And meet at least one of the following conditions:

• The pitcher enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning.
• The pitcher enters the game with the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck.
• The pitcher pitches at least three innings.

A pitcher cannot receive a save if they also get the win for the game. Only one pitcher can earn a save in a single game. The closer is a relief pitcher who is designated to earn saves.