-
Step 1
Recognize that the number of innings that baseball teams play depends upon their league. Major League baseball uses nine innings, while high schools may use seven. Little League often structures games around time limits, but allows each team an equal number of times at bat.
-
Step 2
Realize that the each inning is dividing in half. The first half of an inning allows the visiting team to bat while the home team fields. This is referred to as the top of the first inning.
-
Step 3
Watch for the visiting team to make three outs that will determine that their turn at bat has ended and they must go to the field to defend. This second half of the inning is referred to as the bottom of the inning.
-
Step 4
Be aware that Little League sometimes ends an inning half before three outs are called. A run rule limits the number of allowed points that a team can make in an inning.
-
Step 5
Follow a baseball game as it moves into the next inning, which will start with the top of the inning and end with the bottom of the inning.
-
Step 6
Looks for extended innings when teams are tied. Likewise, innings may be shortened, such as when the home team is ahead in the bottom of the ninth and needs no extra points to win.
