Innings pitched

In baseball, the statistic innings pitched (IP) is the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that have been put out while the pitcher is on the pitching mound in a game.

Runners left on base by a pitcher are not counted in determining innings pitched.

It is possible for a pitcher to enter a game, give up several hits and possibly even several runs, and be removed before achieving any outs, thereby recording a total of zero innings pitched.

Alternatively, it is possible for a pitcher to enter a situation where there are two runners on base and no outs.

Several factors are responsible for this decline[citation needed]: Source:[1]