Baseball Glossary › Complete Game
Complete Game (CG)
A complete game (CG) is credited to a pitcher who pitches the entire game for his team, however long it lasts. If a game is shortened by rain or goes into extra innings, it still counts as a complete game as long as he was the only pitcher to appear for his team. He does not have to win it.
What to Know
A complete game is the step beyond a quality start. A shutout is a complete game in which the pitcher also allows no runs.
Complete games have become increasingly rare as bullpens have grown in importance. Pitchers who throw them tend to keep pitch counts low and avoid walks, and a complete game also gives the bullpen a full day of rest.
To see the pitchers who started for the A's in any season, browse the franchise history and season-by-season rosters. A starter's durability shows up across his innings pitched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a complete game in baseball?
A complete game is when one pitcher pitches the entire game for his team without being relieved. It counts whether the game lasts nine innings, fewer in a rain-shortened game, or goes to extra innings.
Does a pitcher have to win to get a complete game?
No. A pitcher who goes the distance in a loss is still credited with a complete game. The stat measures how long he pitched, not the result.
Does a rain-shortened game count as a complete game?
Yes. If the game becomes official and is called early, the starter is credited with a complete game as long as he was the only pitcher his team used.
Why are complete games so rare now?
Teams rely more on specialized bullpens and manage pitch counts closely, so starters are usually removed before the end of the game. MLB's glossary notes complete games have become increasingly rare.
What is the difference between a complete game and a shutout?
A complete game means the pitcher recorded every out for his team. A shutout is a complete game in which he also allows zero runs, so every shutout by a starter is a complete game.
What does CG mean in pitching stats?
CG stands for complete game. In a pitcher's stat line it shows how many times he pitched an entire game without relief help.
Related Terms
Sources
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