quality start

American  

[kwol-i-tee stahrt] / ˈkwɒl ɪ ti ˈstɑrt /

noun

Baseball.

1. a statistic indicating that a pitcher has pitched at least six innings in a game while allowing no more than three earned runs. QS

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Etymology

Origin of quality start

First recorded in 1920–25, for an earlier sense; 1995–2000, for the current sense

Example Sentences

At this point, the most likely candidate to give them a quality start might be Walker Buehler.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024

Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a quality start, giving up one run and seven hits in six innings and turning the game over to the bullpen with a three-run lead.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

The Mariners have been so reliant on high-level outings from their starters that it’s glaring when a pitcher such as Gilbert doesn’t provide at least a quality start.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

The game was Yamamoto’s third straight quality start, lowering his ERA to 2.79.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2024

Continuing to show steady improvement with each outing, rookie Emerson Hancock delivered his third consecutive quality start — six-plus innings pitched, three runs or fewer allowed.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024