Determining the pitcher of record

Question
QUESTION: Is there a limit to how many innings a starting pitcher needs to throw to get the win or loss?

ANSWER: Generally 4 innings

check out

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Softball-2562/2008/4/winning-pitcher.htm

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QUESTION: How does it work in reverse? If the starting pitcher goes less than 4 innings and leaves the game losing, does she get the loss?

Answer
No it does not work the same in reverse.  If the SP leaves the game prior to pitching four innings and the team is behind or the runners credited to her are on base and and score, the SP is the losing pitcher.

You can download a scoring guide at the address below.


http://nfca.org.ismmedia.com/ISM2/MultimediaManager/ATEC.pdf