This question is about the specific definition of the baseball statistic AVG w/ RISP. Suppose there is a runner on first with no outs. When the count is 2-2, the runner successfully steals second base and the pitch is called a ball. On the very next pitch, the batter strikes out. Does this count against the batter's average with runners in scoring position? The runner was only in scoring position for one pitch, but there were five pitches where the runner was not in scoring position.
1 Answer
I can answer this, but I don't know how to 'source' it. All at-bat (or plate appearance) statistics only take effect when the plate appearance is over.
In your example, AVG w/ RISP takes into account all at-bats that end with a runner in scoring position. So yes, even though only one pitch had a runner in scoring position, that was the only pitch that mattered, as it was the last pitch in the at bat.
Similarly, stats such as a batting average on 2-0 counts are unaffected by plate appearances that don't end on the 3rd pitch. And even an intentional walk only requires the last pitch to be an intentional ball.
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1Similarly, a pinch-hitter entering the game in the middle of an at-bat is credited with any walk or strikeout that results, even if he didn't see all the balls/strikes that contributed to the outcome. (Confusingly, the opposite is true for pitchers; the pitcher that starts pitching to a hitter is charged with the walk or strikeout that a relief pitcher finishes. It leads to the fun situation where a pitcher can walk/strike-out a pinch-hitter he never throws a pitch to.)– chepnerOct 27, 2016 at 14:39
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2@chepner: That isn't completely true - it depends on the count. If Smith gets a two-strike count and, Jones pinch hits for him, and Jones goes on to strike out, the strikeout and at-bat are charged to Smith, not Jones. Rule 9.15(b). For pitchers, if Brown leaves with 0 or 1 balls, or a 2-2 count, and the new pitcher Johnson walks the batter, it's charged to Johnson. Rule 9.16(h)(1). Nov 4, 2016 at 1:17