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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →An MLB postseason game tied after nine innings goes to extra innings; it does not end in a tie. The teams continue with the bases empty at the start of each half-inning, and play ends when the visiting team leads after a completed inning or the home team scores the winning run while batting.
How an MLB playoff game is decided in extra innings
Under the rule, a tie after nine completed innings means play continues until one of two things happens. The 2019 Official Baseball Rules, Rule 7.01(b), state: “If the score is tied after nine completed innings play shall continue until (1) the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or (2) the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning.” MLB’s Regulation Game glossary describes the same extra-inning outcome.
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If the visiting team takes the lead
The home team still gets its turn to bat in the bottom half of the inning. If it cannot tie or take the lead and makes its third out while behind, the inning is complete and the visiting team wins.
If the home team scores the winning run
The game ends as soon as the home team scores the run that puts it ahead. It does not need to finish the inning or record three outs.
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Postseason extra innings start with empty bases
MLB postseason games do not use the regular-season automatic runner on second base. Each extra half-inning begins with the bases empty; runners can reach base through normal play. MLB’s postseason format FAQ, dated September 1, 2026, states that the automatic-runner rule is not used in the postseason.
| Game type | How an extra inning begins |
|---|---|
| MLB postseason | Bases empty |
| MLB regular season | Automatic runner on second base, under the permanent rule adopted before the 2023 season; MLB’s Designated Runner glossary describes the rule. |
Is there a maximum number of playoff extra innings?
The cited rule sets no fixed maximum. Play continues inning by inning until one of the winning conditions is met; a game does not automatically end after a set number of extra innings.
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- Official NFHS Rule Book
Scope of the rule
This explanation covers MLB postseason games. Other leagues, tournaments, and amateur competitions may use different extra-inning rules. A game tied after nine innings is also distinct from a tie in the regular-season standings.
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