It was a curious decision, given the tight economics of the game and the often difficult-to-discern quality of middle relief pitching numbers.

The Boston Red Sox, in a tight race for the American League East title, needed relief pitching help.

He would have won several more games had adequate relief pitching not sacrificed his lead after six or eight innings.

The late-inning relief pitching fraternity has never taken such a battering in the first six weeks of a season.

And they got more good relief pitching last night: one scoreless inning each from Jeff Nelson and Rivera, who earned his 28th save.

And John Franco's ninth-inning relief pitching this season has been the best in his eight seasons with the Mets.

During the season, he played every position except catcher, even making a relief pitching appearance.

If the relief pitching successfully completes the half-inning without surrendering the go-ahead run, the departed pitcher cannot receive a loss.

During his season with the Brewers, Dempsey made two relief pitching appearances, giving three hits and one run in two innings pitched.

Many of today's top prospects are considered mainly for their relief pitching skills.

The offense had withered hopelessly against the relief pitching of the Oakland Athletics.

"That's why relief pitching is so important," Torre said.

But sloppy fielding and poor relief pitching allowed the Royals to claw back.

One point of controversy was in handling the relief pitching of the Red Sox.

And the relief pitching was a relief, too.

In my view," he said, "what happens is the vulnerability of a club's middle relief pitching is exposed.

Left-handed relief pitching could be crucial, and the Sox just haven't got it.

Strong relief pitching sent the game into extra innings.

But they are not about to replace the relief pitching of Dennis Eckersley nor the leadoff hitting Rickey Henderson.

"The relief pitching has been outstanding," said Tom Kelly, the Twins' manager.