A specific regulation implemented in some baseball leagues or tournaments allows for the termination of a game before the standard nine innings if one team attains a significant lead over the other. This measure, often called a “run rule,” is intended to prevent excessively one-sided contests from continuing unnecessarily. For example, a rule might state that if a team is ahead by ten runs after seven innings, the game concludes at that point.
The implementation of such a regulation offers several advantages. Primarily, it reduces the risk of injury to players on both teams, particularly pitchers who may be fatigued or demoralized. It also conserves pitching resources, which is especially beneficial during tournaments with multiple games in a short period. Furthermore, it helps to maintain a more positive atmosphere by preventing prolonged, demoralizing defeats, thereby preserving sportsmanship.
