College baseball games are typically played over nine innings, which is the standard length encouraged by the NCAA for most games
. However, the number of innings can vary depending on specific circumstances:
- Standard games: Usually nine innings
- Doubleheaders: To manage player fatigue and scheduling, doubleheaders may consist of two nine-inning games, one nine-inning and one seven-inning game, or two seven-inning games, depending on conference rules and agreements
- Mercy rule: If one team leads by 10 or more runs after seven innings (or 6.5 innings if the home team is ahead), the game can be called early to prevent excessively long blowouts. This rule does not apply in NCAA tournament games
- Weather-shortened games: If at least five innings have been completed and weather prevents further play, the game may be considered official and ended early
- Extra innings: If the score is tied after nine innings, the game continues into extra innings until one team leads at the end of an inning. There is no limit to how many extra innings can be played; some games have lasted over 20 innings
In summary, while nine innings is the norm for college baseball, games can be shorter or longer depending on doubleheaders, mercy rules, weather, or ties requiring extra innings. The College World Series maintains the traditional nine-inning format for all games
