What is the fewest number of pitches that a pitcher in a major league baseball game can throw and come away with a complete game?

(A real complete game, not shortened by rain or anything like that)

The definition of a complete game for a pitcher is the pitcher pitched each inning from the start to the finish of the game.  This is regardless of the number of innings that have occurred in the game. 

Because of the stipulation provided, games of innings less than 9 called due to darkness, rain (weather), and forfeits would be excluded -- yet, a complete game is not necessarily 9 innings.  Under the rules of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) -- a major-league baseball tournament -- games can be shortened due to a mercy rule.  This rule can limit the number of innings to five innings, and can occur when a team is ahead by 15 or more runs. The minimum number of pitches is, therefore, 15.  The losing pitcher having pitched 15 pitches with each pitch having created a run for the winning team, and the pitcher of the winning team having thrown 15 no-hit pitches.

Of course, this baseball tournament was first held in March 2006.  Therefore, DJ's solution could be considered correct prior to this date.

Posted by Dej Mar on 2006-10-22 01:59:02