International baseball is quite similar to the game played by high school, college and professional players in the United States. But there are some distinct rule differences that give the international game its own flavor. The World Baseball Classic features All-Star type players from baseball-playing countries throughout the world, and Japan emerged from the tournament as the 2009 champion. The rules of international baseball were applied in that tournament.
Pitching Restrictions
Pitch counts are a key part of international baseball. In the World Baseball Classic, pitchers could not throw more than 70 pitches in the first round, 85 pitches in the second round or 100 pitches in the final round. Pitchers who throw 50 or more pitches in a game cannot pitch again until four days have passed. Pitchers who throw 30 or more pitches must rest one day before pitching again.
Mercy Rule
The "Mercy Rule" is in effect for international baseball games. If a team is ahead by 15 or more runs after five full innings, the game is called in favor of the team that is ahead. The "Mercy Rule" is also employed if a team is ahead by 10 runs or more after seven innings.
Extra Innings
There is a significant difference in the way extra innings are conducted in international baseball. Beginning with the 13th inning, teams start an inning with runners on first and second. This is designed to speed up the results and get a winner in a game that could go on much longer. In Major League Baseball, there is no change in the way the game proceeds once it goes to extra innings.
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