Softball Game Analysis: Identifying the Losing Pitcher

Question
Starting pitcher (SP) goes 3 and 1/3 innings and is removed.  Score is 2 to 1 in favor of her team with 1 out.   SP gave up 2 hits , a double followed by a single in that inning. Relief pitcher (RP) comes in with 0ne out runners on 2nd and third. RP gives up several more hits and finishes the inning losing 4 to 2.  RP finishes the game giving up 9 total hits and 6 runs, loses 9 to 7 .  Who is the losing pitcher?

Answer
Ted,

The runners on second and third at the time of the pitching change are the responsibility of the starting pitcher.  When they score, they are charged to her.

As long as there were no other lead changes during the game, the starting pitcher is charged with the loss in this situation.

Tom