Appalachian League introduces new extra-innings format

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the addition of a "sudden death" extra-innings rule and the return of seven-inning games on Sundays.

EXTRA INNINGS: Similar to the Frontier League and MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League will implement a "sudden death" extra-innings format. During the plate meeting prior to each game, the home team manager will determine if they want to play offense or defense in the event of a tie game after regulation (7 or 9 innings). For the team on offense, the player on the lineup card immediately preceding the batter due up will be placed on first base. The defensive team will have three outs to prevent the offense from scoring. If the team on offense scores, they will win the game. If the defensive team retires the side without allowing a run, they will win the game. If the player starting the inning on first base scores, it will count in the statistics as a run for the player and an RBI for the batter who drove him in (if applicable), but will not count towards the pitcher's earned-run average. The sudden death rule guarantees that no game will be played beyond 9.5 innings or beyond 7.5 innings for a doubleheader game.

SEVEN-INNING SUNDAYS: All games on Sunday will be scheduled for seven innings. Exception; Games on Sunday, July 3, will be scheduled nine-inning games.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: The 2022 Appalachian League Championship Game will take place Aug. 8. The team with the best overall winning percentage in each division will qualify for the postseason. Those two teams will meet in a one-game, winner-take-all championship. In even numbered years, the East Division qualifier will host the championship game, while in odd-numbered years, the West Division qualifier will host the championship game.