Chicago, Ill. – June 30, 2020 – Midwest Collegiate League Commissioner Don Popravak has announced plans for several temporary rule changes during the 2020 MCL season.

The MCL will utilize a modified extra-inning format this season. If the score is tied after nine innings, each extra inning will start with a runner at second base and no outs. If the score remains tied through 10, the extra-inning format will be repeated for the 11th and potentially 12th innings. If the score is still tied through 12 innings, the game will be declared a tie.

The final batter to complete a plate appearance in the previous inning will be the runner at second base to begin the extra inning. If that run comes in to score, it will count as an unearned run charged to the pitcher who began that extra inning.

In addition, the 10-run rule will be utilized this season for all games except those hosted by the Northwest Indiana Oilmen at Oil City Stadium. If a team leads by 10 or more runs through seven innings (or through the top of the seventh if the home team is leading), the game will end. The 10-run rule can also be implemented through eight innings or be invoked in the middle of the home team’s at-bat in the bottom of the seventh or eighth if the home team’s lead reaches 10 runs. The 10-run rule will not be utilized for Oilmen home games, but will be used for games hosted by the league’s other five clubs.

The modified extra-inning and 10-run rules are being implemented in the interest of preserving pitching during the COVID-19 impacted season. The MCL is committed to keeping the health and safety of its players, coaches, employees and fans as the foremost priority.

The MCL has also announced a change to its postseason format for the 2020 season. The league has traditionally featured a four-team postseason, but this season the top two teams from the regular-season standings will advance to the MCL Championship Series. That best-of-three series will begin on Friday, Aug. 21 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 23 with the regular-season champion hosting Game 1 and Game 3 and the regular-season runner-up hosting Game 2.

The Midwest Collegiate League, which features a proud history of aiding collegiate players in their development and has produced numerous professional players including Major League All-Star Paul DeJong, will begin its 11th season on Saturday.