Extra innings in baseball can turn an already thrilling game into an unforgettable marathon. Traditionally, these extended play periods follow the same rules as regular innings, but recent changes aim to make them more dynamic.
One significant update is the introduction of the runner-on-second rule, which Major League Baseball (MLB) adopted in 2020 to expedite game conclusions and boost scoring opportunities.
This rule change has had a notable impact. For instance, the percentage of extra-inning games ending in the 10th inning jumped from 43.9% in 2019 to 69.1% in 2020.
By placing a runner on second base at the start of each extra inning, teams have more chances to score quickly, reducing the likelihood of games dragging on indefinitely.