In a regulation 9 inning game in which the pitcher throws a complete game (i.e. no relief pitcher is used), what is the fewest number of batters that a pitcher can face? Note - I'm talking about a full 9 inning game, so the game is not shortened due to rain or darkness or anything.

Hint: the answer is not 24.

27? (9 innings times 3 batters)

I have no idea, really.

It's not 27.

Here's another hint - based solely on the information I've given you can determine what the score was.

25 at-bats.

It can't be 24, because the bottom of the ninth can only be skipped if the team batting then is ahead. At least one batter must be faced in the bottom of the ninth, but if he scores to put his team up 1-0, the game ends after the 25th at-bat.

For a more pedantic answer, 9 would be the minimum number of batters, since at-bats by the same player are still only one batter ;)

Oops - sorry Nosnosna - I meant to agree with your answer of course, not disagree, but I clicked the wrong button, and the system won't let me take it back. My bad!