earned run average

[ urnd ruhn av-er-ij, av-rij ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. a measure of the effectiveness of a pitcher, calculated by dividing the number of earned runs scored against the pitcher by the number of innings pitched and multiplying the result by nine: : ERA

   His earned run average is currently a worrisome 6.21, as he has pitched 42 innings and given up 29 earned runs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of earned run average¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

And, as evidenced by their 22nd-ranked team earned run average, it has led to a slew of cascading side effects.

From Los Angeles Times

But on the mound, an uncharacteristically shaky Dodgers pitching staff — which ranks 22nd in earned run average so far this season — stumbled once again.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2022, he led the Korea Baseball Organization, the country’s top league, in earned run average and strikeouts.

From New York Times

He gave up a run and two hits to lower his earned run average to 1.98, second in the AL, and won his fifth straight start.

From Seattle Times

The bullpen, for example, ranked 16th in M.L.B. in earned run average entering Friday.

From New York Times