Extra-inning games on rise
If you think you’re seeing more baseball this season, you’re right.
Through May 28, major league teams had played 94 extra-innings games, the most all-time on that date, according to STATS LLC.
True, the season started earlier than usual. But the previous high for extra-inning games on May 28 was a mere 79. And the number on May 28 last season was only 64.
The reduced scoring is one possible explanation for the sharp increase in the number of extra-inning games.
Three teams — the Royals, Angels and Athletics — already have played 12 extra-inning games, nearly one-fourth of their overall totals.
Five of the Royals’ past 10 games have gone extra innings. So have seven of the Braves’ past 16.
Two teams — the Cubs and Tigers — have played only two extra-inning games.
— Ken Rosenthal


