Extra-innings automatic runner
Every half-inning from the tenth on starts with a runner on second base — the player who made the last out of the previous inning (or a substitute). He is real in every way that matters for the score: runs he scores count fully for the team and the game total.
- The placed runner is whoever preceded that half-inning's leadoff hitter in the batting order.
- For pitching stats, the placed runner is treated as if he reached on an error — he is not an earned run against the pitcher.
- Every run still counts on the scoreboard, in the standings, and in the game total.
- The rule applies in the regular season; postseason extra innings start clean.
Top of the 10th, the visiting team's placed runner scores on a sacrifice fly.
Ruling · The run counts in full. The visiting pitcher does not get charged an earned run for the placed runner, but the scoreboard does not care how he got to second.
Extra innings now carry a built-in scoring threat every half-inning. Late tied games produce runs at a much higher rate than they did before 2020.
Reference note: one or more section citations on this page are being verified against the current official rulebook edition. The explanation reflects the rule as played; confirm the exact subsection in the official text.