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)

(In reply to re: Solution by Tim)

Sali is right. If one team is winning by any margin of score, let's say 2-0, and the team that is winning is fielding and shut out the batters of the losing team, then there is no possible way for the team down by two points to win. Therefore there is no point in playing the bottom of the ninth inning, so it is skipped. The correct answer is 24 pitches. And no, to my knowledge there is no mercy rule for calling games in major league baseball.

Posted by Jason on 2003-10-29 22:27:14