4-2-1A regulation interscholastic game consists of seven innings (turns at bat) unless extra inning(s) are necessary because of a tie score, or unless shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the seventh or only a fraction of it (4-2); or because of weather, or darkness (4-3). Each team must have nine players in its lineup throughout the game (see4-4-1f Note 2). Otherwise, the game will be forfeited. A forfeited game is regulation, regardless of innings played (4-4-2).
4-2-2The game ends when the team behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the seventh inning, or any inning thereafter if extra innings are necessary. If the home team scores a go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning, or in any extra inning, the game is terminated at that point. Any game that is tied at the end of 4-1/2 or at least five full innings when the game is called shall be a tie game, unless the state association has adopted a specific game ending procedure. Batting and fielding records are counted, but the game is not counted in computing percentages of games won and lost. By state association adoption, the game shall end when the visiting team is behind 10 or more runs after 4-1/2 innings, or after the fifth inning, if either team is 10 runs behind and both teams have had an equal number of times at bat.
- If an over-the-fence home run is hit, all runs score before the game is terminated.
- Two seven-inning games shall constitute a doubleheader.
4-2-3If weather or darkness interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the umpire, it is a regulation game:
- if five full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four or four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat; or
- if play has gone beyond five full innings.
If the game is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; except that if the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent’s score, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.
4-2-4A state association may adopt game-ending procedures that determine how games are ended, including suspended games. However, if a state does not adopt game ending procedures, by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the umpire-in-chief, any remaining play may be shortened or the game terminated. If a state association has adopted game-ending procedures, only those game-ending procedures may be used, should the opposing coaches wish to terminate a game.
Related Rules
1.01 - Little League Baseball in all divisions is a game between two teams of nine players each, under the direction of a manager and not more than two rostered coaches, played on a regulation …
3.01 - Before the game begins the umpires shall -(a) require strict observance of all rules governing team personnel, implements of play, and equipment of players;(b) be sure that all playing lines (heavy lines on …
4.01 - The umpires shall proceed directly to home plate where they shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams, just preceding the established time to begin the game. In sequence-(a) The home …
Ten-Run RuleSECTION 79. By conference rule, or mutual consent of both coaches before the contest, a game may be stopped only after seven innings if one team is ahead by at least 10 runs.Each team …
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FAQs
4-2-2 The game ends when the team behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the seventh inning, or any inning thereafter if extra innings are necessary. If the home team scores a go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning, or in any extra inning, the game is terminated at that point.
How many endings are in high school baseball? ›
Softball games and high school baseball games are scheduled for seven innings, as are some minor league baseball doubleheaders. Major League doubleheaders comprised scheduled seven inning games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the COVID pandemic, but returned to nine innings in 2022.
What happens if a Little League game ends in a tie? ›
SUSPENDED GAMES: Any game in which a winner cannot be determined in accordance with the playing rules shall be resumed from the exact point at which it was suspended regardless of the number of innings played. Incomplete (not regulation) or tie games are considered suspended games.
How to end a baseball game? ›
If not terminated early, regulation games last until the trailing team has had the chance to make 27 outs (nine innings). If the home team is leading after the visiting team has made three outs in the top of the ninth inning, the home team wins and does not have to come to bat in the bottom of the ninth.
Can high school baseball end in a tie? ›
4.3 A game will end any time after 5 innings, or after 4 ½ inning if the team is 10 or more runs behind and has completed its turn at bat. 1.5. 5 TIE GAME. If the game is tied after a completed inning and the time limit has expired, the game shall be considered a tie.
How many endings does a college baseball game have? ›
If the teams are playing a seven-inning game and one team is winning by 10 or more runs by the end of the fifth inning, the game can be called. So, while most college baseball games will be 9 innings, some can be 7 innings or even 5 innings long.
What are the odds of getting into the MLB from high school? ›
Less than eleven in 100, or about 10.5 percent, of NCAA senior male baseball players will get drafted by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Approximately one in 200, or approximately 0.5 percent of high school senior boys playing interscholastic baseball will eventually be drafted by an MLB team.
Is chanting allowed in baseball? ›
A good rule of thumb is the chants/cheers may be as loud as the team desires as long as there is no crescendo or shrieking when the pitcher is delivering the pitch. No artificial noise making (i.e.- pounding on buckets, or fences or air horns) is allowed.
Can a baseball game end before 9 innings? ›
There are several scenarios in which a game can be considered complete or official before reaching the full 9 innings. Here are some of the situations: Inclement Weather: If a game is stopped due to inclement weather, it can be considered an official game if it has reached a certain point.
What if there is a tie at the end of the game? ›
Tied games are listed as part of a team's official record, counting in the team's winning percentage as half a win and half a loss. A game ending in a scoreless tie has never occurred since the introduction of overtime. The exception to this rule is the playoffs.
In this report, we consider a solution to shorten games and increase their entertainment value through implementing a mercy rule, also called a run rule, in which a game may end early in the case of a blowout.
Are umpires required to wear GREY pants? ›
Umpires generally wear grey pants. Charcoal grey has been preferred by baseball umpires. Heather grey has generally been reserved for softball umpires and some remaining high school associations.
What does top 9 mean in baseball? ›
Baseball innings are split up into 2 parts. One part is when the visiting team is batting, and the other half is when the home team is batting. Let's say that the home team bats first in the inning. When the home team is batting, thats the top of the ninth.
Do high school baseball players wear cups? ›
While in a crouch position, any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location shall wear a head protector, a mask with a throat protector and a protective cup (male only). PENALTY: Failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall result in ejection.
Can a baseball game end 0 0? ›
Some of the great pitching duels in baseball history have received little publicity because more than 30 extra-inning contests ended in 0-0 ties.
What is the California rule in baseball? ›
If the game (playoff or championship) is tied after all innings have been completed, the "California" tie breaker rule will go into effect. Each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning.
How many endings do you play in baseball? ›
While 9 innings is the standard length of a professional baseball game, there are certain circ*mstances where the game may end earlier or continue beyond 9 innings. If a team is leading by more than 10 runs after the 7th inning, the game can be called a "mercy rule" and declared over.
How many ends are in baseball? ›
Baseball is a game played between two teams of nine players each. The game is divided into nine innings, each divided into two halves.
Is there 7 or 9 innings in high school baseball? ›
A regulation game for high school baseball consists of seven innings. Each inning is divided into two halves, with the visiting team batting in the top half and the home team batting in the bottom half.
Is baseball 9 or 10 innings? ›
A regulation game in college or professional baseball consists of nine innings.
