One of the most exciting youth sporting events in the world is set to take place, as the 2023 Little League World series kicks off from Williamsport, Pa.
The annual baseball competition brings 10 of the best teams from the United States and 10 of the strongest international squads to Pennsylvania for the right to be crowned Little League champions.
There will be plenty of exciting action, from dominant pitching performances to young sluggers launching dingers. As a result, blowouts are bound to happen. However, the Little League World Series has rules in place for games that get out of hand.
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The Sporting News explains the different run rules at the LLWS.
Little League World Series mercy rule, explained
Mercy rules are put into place in order to shorten a game that has gotten out of hand. The run restrictions put in place allow the losing team ample time to try and cut the deficit, but if the lead grows into double digits, then the game will automatically end, depending on the inning.
There are two different mercy rules at the Little League World Series. One involves a 15-run difference, while the other is a 10-run differential.
15-run mercy rule
Here is how the 15-run mercy rule applies to the Little League World Series, according to Little League:
If at the end of three innings, or two and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of 15 or more runs, the manager of the team with fewer runs will concede the victory to the winning team.
10-run mercy rule
Here is how the 10-run mercy rule applies to the Little League World Series, according to Little League:
If at the end of four innings, or three and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of 10 or more runs, the manager of the team with fewer runs will concede the victory to the winning team.
Does every Little League World Series game have the mercy rule?
Yes, the mercy rule in the Little League World Series applies to every game in the competition.
This includes both the U.S. and international championship games, as well the final game between the U.S. and global bracket winners.
In 2022, the final game of the tournament ended after four innings due to Hawaii building a 13-3 lead over Curacao. The Hawaiians won four out of their six games at the competition via the mercy rule.