earned run average
noun
: the average number of earned runs per game scored against a pitcher in baseball determined by dividing the total of earned runs scored against him by the total number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine
Examples of earned run average in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Red Sox rotation had the fifth-worst earned run average in the American League last season (4.49).
—
Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Mar. 2023
He was claimed by the Rangers and earned a pair of two-game stints (two starts) last season, going 1-2 with a 10.97 earned run average over 10⅔ innings.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2023
In 2021, Frisch was 3-0 with a 2.38 earned run average in 20 games on the way to earning Freshman All-American honors.
—oregonlive, 18 July 2022
Scherzer and Megill have combined to go 9-3 with a 3.31 earned run average in 15 starts.
—New York Times, 19 May 2022
The Diamondbacks did have opportunities, but the Dodgers bullpen, with its second-best earned run average in the major leagues, kept them off the scoreboard after winning pitcher Gonsolin's five innings.
—José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2021
The Mets have some terrific starting pitchers, including the amazing Jacob deGrom (1.08 earned run average) but are hitting only .231 as a team.
—Washington Post, 15 July 2021
His final line in 52 appearances over the three levels was impressive with a 3-1 record, 2.49 earned run average and WHIP of 1.15 with 84 strikeouts in 65 innings.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2023
As a starting pitcher, Ohtani drew a 15-9 record and 2.33 earned run average with 219 strike outs in 28 starts.
—Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2023
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Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Mar. 2023
He was claimed by the Rangers and earned a pair of two-game stints (two starts) last season, going 1-2 with a 10.97 earned run average over 10⅔ innings.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2023
In 2021, Frisch was 3-0 with a 2.38 earned run average in 20 games on the way to earning Freshman All-American honors.
—oregonlive, 18 July 2022
Scherzer and Megill have combined to go 9-3 with a 3.31 earned run average in 15 starts.
—New York Times, 19 May 2022
The Diamondbacks did have opportunities, but the Dodgers bullpen, with its second-best earned run average in the major leagues, kept them off the scoreboard after winning pitcher Gonsolin's five innings.
—José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2021
The Mets have some terrific starting pitchers, including the amazing Jacob deGrom (1.08 earned run average) but are hitting only .231 as a team.
—Washington Post, 15 July 2021
His final line in 52 appearances over the three levels was impressive with a 3-1 record, 2.49 earned run average and WHIP of 1.15 with 84 strikeouts in 65 innings.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2023
As a starting pitcher, Ohtani drew a 15-9 record and 2.33 earned run average with 219 strike outs in 28 starts.
—Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earned run average.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of earned run average was
in 1916
Dictionary Entries Near earned run average
Cite this Entry
“Earned run average.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earned%20run%20average. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
earned run average
noun
: the average number of earned runs per game scored against a pitcher in baseball
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