The 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers in a historic matchup, with both teams searching for their first-ever World Series championship.
As the postseason continues, it's important to note that there are several notable rule differences compared to the regular season, particularly when it comes to how extra innings are managed.
During the regular season, when a game extends beyond nine innings, the "ghost runner" rule comes into play. Beginning in the top of the 10th inning, each team starts its turn at bat with a runner automatically placed on second base.
During the postseason, all extra innings are played under the traditional rules followed during the regulation nine innings.
More: The Rays will always do it their way. It's led them to another World Series
2026 World Series schedule
- Game 1: Friday, October 23, 8:00 PM ET at Milwaukee
- Game 2: Saturday, October 24, 8:00 PM ET at Milwaukee
- Game 3: Monday, October 26, 8:00 PM ET at Tampa Bay
- Game 4: Tuesday, October 27, 8:00 PM ET at Tampa Bay
- Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 PM ET at Tampa Bay
- Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, October 30, 8:00 PM ET at Milwaukee
- Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, October 31, 8:00 PM ET at Milwaukee
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Series extra innings rules explained