World Series extra innings rules and MLB postseason format explained

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• MLB extra inning rules for World Series
• Is there an extra inning runner in World Series?
• How many innings in baseball?
• Longest games in World Series history

Baseball enthusiasts, as a general rule, have frequently been among the most resistant to alterations. Baseball stands as one of North America's most venerable sports, with its fundamental principles and customs remaining largely unaltered over time.

The extra-inning ghost runner rule is one particular regulation that has divided supporters. During the 2020 regular season, every game that extended into extra innings featured a runner placed on second base at the start of each half inning. Opponents of the rule felt that placing a runner on base in a scoring opportunity was detrimental to the game's fundamental principles.

However, if there's one thing the rule has accomplished, it's significantly reducing the number of late games. In 2019, 210 games extended into the 11th inning or beyond. The figure decreased annually from that point, falling sharply to 102 in 2021, 100 in 2022, and 90 in 2023.

While the reduced game times have eliminated the possibility of seemingly endless contests, baseball enthusiasts haven't universally embraced the new regulation.

Has the controversial rule shown up in the MLB postseason? Here's the essential information.

MORE: The longest games in World Series history

MLB Series extra inning rules

Certain regulations remain consistent whether the game is in its initial nine innings or extends into overtime. A pitch clock remains in effect, influencing both batters and pitchers. Teams continue to have restrictions on the number of mound visits and times a pitcher can step off the rubber. 

The ghost runner rule won't be making the transition to the playoffs and the World Series. In games that extend into extra innings, a runner will not begin the half-inning on second base. All batters must now earn their way onto the bases.

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World Series extra inning runner?

The World Series won't feature a ghost runner. As was the case before the pandemic, each inning will begin with no runners on base for the teams. 

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How many baseball innings?

A standard baseball game consists of nine innings; however, if the score is even after nine, play will continue into a tenth inning. The game continues with additional innings until one team achieves a lead by the end of an inning.

Unlike the NFL, there are no ties. Baseball games are always played until there is a winner.

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World Series' longest games ever

World Series games don't exactly have a long history of running into the late hours of the day. Only five times has a game lasted more than 12 innings.

The longest World Series game ever came back in 2018, when the Red Sox and Dodgers went 18 innings. That game lasted a whopping seven hours and 20 minutes. There were a total of 18 pitchers used in the game, and did not end until Max Muncy hit a walk-off home run off Nathan Eovaldi in the bottom of the 18th. The Blue Jays and Dodgers also went to 18 innings in 2025, but their time played did not quite match the Red Sox-Dodgers matchup from 2018. 

Here's a look at every World Series game that has lasted at least 12 innings.

* - Game 1 of the 1907 World Series was called a tie due to darkness 

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