Define a Quality Start Please?

Question

What about a pitcher who gives up 5 runs, but only 2 are EARNED RUNS while pitching 6+?

Is that a QS even though he only gave up 2 ER, but due to errors of his team, 5 were scored while on the mound? I have seen engines report inconsistently.

Such as last night, Santana went 7IP, gave up 5R, 1ER - qualified for a QS - while other pitchers do similar, and do not get a QS...

Answer 1

A pitcher must complete 6 innings and give up no more tha 3 EARNED runs to get a quality start.

That is the way it should be scored.

Answer 2

A quality start is when a pitcher completes at least 6 innings and allows no more than 3 earned runs. ESPN.com terms a loss suffered by a pitcher in a quality start as a tough loss and a win earned by a pitcher in a non-quality start a cheap win.

Answer 3

Shutout with 7+ strikeouts.