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

When his team is behind, he could have to ask his starter to pitch an extra inning or two so that he could save his high-leverage relievers for games in which they are ahead.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 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

"It's only a matter of an extra inning," cried Copley.

From Rival Pitchers of Oakdale by Scott, Morgan