extra inning

American  

[ek-struh in-ing] / ˈɛk strə ˈɪn ɪŋ /

noun

Baseball.

1. an inning played when the score is tied after the regulation nine innings: There is no limit to the number of extra innings in the major leagues, since no game may end in a tie.

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Etymology

Origin of extra inning

First recorded in 1875–80 as extra-inning (adjective)

Example Sentences

“So to push for an extra inning, or call it five extra innings in totality, it’s just not worth it. There’s just way too much downside.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2025

San Diego became the first team to lose 11 successive extra inning contests since Tampa Bay also dropped 11 in a row in 2015.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2023

“You put a lot of pressure on the bullpen. To be able to send him back out there for one extra inning really helps us moving forward.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2022

One new wrinkle appalled him: the runner placed on second base to begin each extra inning.

From New York Times • May 23, 2022

This sort of thing pleased the crowd immensely, as an extra inning game always means additional excitement, and added thrills for the money.

From The Chums of Scranton High out for the Pennant by Ferguson, Donald