The average length of a major league game this season is 2 hours and 42 minutes, with the electronic strike zone system causing an extension of 61 seconds

The major leagues introduced an electronic strike zone system this year. (File photo, Associated Press)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Major League Baseball announced that the average game length of regular nine-inning games in this season's regular season has reached 2 hours and 42 minutes, an increase of 3 minutes and 43 seconds compared to last year.

The Major League Baseball officially introduced the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) this year, which also led to the extension of game time. Officials said that the additional 61 seconds was due to the ABS challenge.

Please read on...

In 2016, the average length of major league games exceeded 3 hours for the first time. In 2021 and 2022, it reached 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 4 minutes respectively. After the pitch timer was activated in 2024, it dropped sharply to 2 hours and 36 minutes, which was the lowest since 2 hours and 35 minutes in 1984. Last year, it rebounded slightly to 2 hours and 38 minutes.

In addition, 10 regular 9-inning games this year lasted for more than 3 and a half hours, 3 more than last year. The longest 9-inning game in the regular season this season was the Yankees vs. Marlins on April 5, which took 3 hours and 49 minutes to end. However, there were also 7 games that were not shortened due to other factors and ended in less than 2 hours. The fastest game was the Philadelphia vs. Warriors game on September 8, which only lasted 1 hour and 51 minutes.

In addition, 209 games this year reached extra playoffs, of which 155 were decided in the 10th inning, 36 games went to the 11th inning, 14 games went to the 12th inning, and 4 games went to the 13th inning.

Starting from 2020, the Major League Baseball will adopt a deadlock-breaking system with someone at second base in the overtime. Last year, the home team had the advantage with 110 wins and 99 losses, but this year, the visiting team has the upper hand with 107 wins and 102 losses.