Earned Run Average (ERA)
Definition: "Earned run average" is a term used in baseball to measure how well a pitcher is performing. It tells us how many runs a pitcher gives up, on average, for every nine innings they pitch. An "earned run" is a run that scores because of the pitcher's actions and not because of errors made by the defensive team.
Usage Instructions: You can use "earned run average" when discussing a pitcher's performance in games. It's often abbreviated as "ERA."
Example: - "The pitcher has an ERA of 2.50, which means he allows about 2.5 earned runs for every nine innings he pitches."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might compare the ERA of different pitchers to determine who is more effective. For example: - "The team's best pitcher has the lowest ERA in the league, indicating that he allows fewer earned runs than his competitors."
Word Variants: - Earned Run: This refers to runs that score without the help of errors or passed balls. - Run Average: A general term that can refer to averages in different contexts but is often associated with baseball.
Different Meanings: In general contexts outside baseball, "earned" can refer to something that is deserved or rightfully obtained (e.g., "She earned her promotion through hard work"). "Run" can mean to move quickly or can refer to a series of events (e.g., "a run of good luck").
Synonyms: - There are no direct synonyms for "earned run average," but related terms in baseball might include "pitcher's effectiveness" or "pitching performance."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "earned run average," but you might encounter phrases like "to pitch a gem" (to pitch very well) or "to give up runs" (to allow runs to score).
Summary: "Earned run average" is a key statistic in baseball that helps fans and coaches understand a pitcher's skill.