Scan What is the ruling as to when a ball game is counted? I’ve seen games continue where it left off the next day after rain outs. I’ve also seen games restart at different innings from where the game left off the previous game. I’ve also seen double headers played because of the rain. – Frank
Hey Frank,
Good question, and one that is confusing for most of us. Here’s how it works:
MLB Rule 4.10:
(c) If a game is called, it is a regulation game:
- (1) If five innings have been completed;
- (2) If the home team has scored more runs in four or four and a fraction half-innings than the visiting team has scored in five completed half-innings;
- (3) If the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the fifth inning to tie the score.
- (d) If a regulation game is called with the score tied, it shall become a suspended game. See Rule 4.12.
- (e) If a game is called before it has become a regulation game, the umpire shall declare it “No Game.”
It is also suspended under rule 4.12
- (5) Wether, if a regulation game is called while an inning is in progress, and before the inning is completed, and the visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not retaken the lead.
So to summarize:
- – if it’s called before the 5th it’s no game.
- – If the home team is winning after 4 1/2 innings are played then it’s a completed game and the home team wins.
- – If 5 or more have been completed with the home team getting it’s full last at bats, and the visiting team is winning then it is a completed game, and the visiting team wins.
- – If the teams are tied after 4 1/2 innings or more, then the game is suspended and resumed later.
- – If the visiting team is ahead after 4 1/2 innings or more, but the home team has not completed it’s at bat then it is suspended and resumed later.
Hope that helps to clear up what happens when the cloudy skies interrupt play on the field.
Thanks for the email, and for watching the show!
Scan
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