What is an inning?
An inning is the basic unit of play in baseball. It is the period of play between two halves of an inning, one half being the “top of the inning” in which the visiting team is at bat and the other half being the “bottom of the inning” in which the home team is at bat.
How Many Innings Are In A Baseball Game?
Typically 9 innings make up a complete game of baseball; however, extra innings can be played if the game is tied after 9 innings. Each team must have 3 outs in each inning before the other team has their turn at bat.
Types of Baseball Games
9-Inning Game: nine innings in length. The home team bats in the bottom of the ninth inning or in any extra innings, and the game ends as soon as the home team has either tied the score or taken the lead.
Extra Innings: if a game is tied after 9 innings, additional innings may be played in order to determine a winner.
7-Inning Game: a game that is seven innings in length. The game ends after the home team has either tied the score or taken the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning.
5-Inning Game: a game that is five innings in length. The game ends after the home team has either tied the score or taken the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Shortened Games: there are instances where the game can be shortened because of inclement weather, or the mercy rule (when one team has a lead of at least eight runs after five innings).
Conclusion
Overall, a baseball game is typically composed of nine innings and can be shortened or lengthened depending on the score and the rules of that particular league.
