A standard adult baseball game is commonly scheduled for nine innings, each containing a half-inning of offence for each team. Three outs complete a half-inning and switch the roles. Different events can adopt other lengths, early-ending provisions or extra-inning procedures, so this guide describes the basic framework rather than every tournament format.
Offence works towards completing the circuit
Batters take their turns, and runners try to pass first, second and third before returning home. Fielders can record outs through catches, force plays and tags, among other situations. Observe the occupied bases and the number of outs alongside the ball's movement to understand what each play can change.
Three outs do not mean three batters
An inning can involve many hitters if the defence has not collected its third out. Repeated baserunners can create a chain of scoring opportunities, even after two outs have already been recorded. That explains why one apparently modest hit can open a much longer offensive sequence than a new viewer expects.
The late-game setting changes priorities
Leading and trailing teams may choose different levels of risk as the game approaches its end. If the home team is already ahead, the final scheduled bottom half may be unnecessary. Establish the inning, which half is being played and the score before interpreting whether a team prioritises one run, prevention or continued opportunity.
