The 10 Most Epic MLB Games That Went The Distance

Baseball’s charm lies in its capacity for marathon battles, and few moments capture that better than the longest MLB games ever played. From early‑20th‑century duels that stretched into the darkness to modern night‑owl marathons that kept fans glued to the scoreboard for over seven hours, these contests showcase endurance, strategy, and a dash of luck. Below is a rundown of the top ten longest games by innings and elapsed time, each a testament to how far a baseball game can really go.

How innings define the longest MLB games

When we talk about the “longest MLB games,” the primary metric is innings played. While some contests reached 20 or more frames, only a handful ever eclipsed the 20‑inning mark, and an even smaller group broke the 24‑inning barrier. Time can be deceptive—rain delays and lengthy pitching changes stretch the clock—but the sheer number of innings remains the clearest indicator of a game’s epic scope.

Top 10 longest MLB games ever played

• 26 innings – Brooklyn Robins vs. Boston Braves (May 1 1920)
  

  The record‑holding 26‑inning showdown ended when the Robins finally broke a 1‑0 tie in the bottom of the 26th. The game lasted just over three hours, a remarkable feat given the era’s slower pace.

• 25 innings – Chicago White Sox vs. New York Giants (May 1 1924)
  

  A 5‑5 stalemate after 25 innings was called due to darkness. Both teams exhausted their bullpens, and the game remains the longest by innings that ended without a winner.

• 24 innings – New York Mets vs. Houston Astros (April 25 2006)
  

  This marathon stretched to 7 hours 19 minutes, with the Astros prevailing 2‑1. It set the modern‑era record for elapsed time, thanks to multiple rain delays and an exhausting series of relief appearances.

• 24 innings – St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets (June 16 2018)
  

  A rain‑shortened tie after 24 innings saw the Cardinals win 3‑2 in the 24th. The game featured a rare combination of extra‑innings home runs and a blown save in the 22nd.

• 23 innings – Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (May 30 1974)
  

  The Cubs finally clinched a 4‑3 victory, ending the longest game in National League history at that point. Pitcher Tom Gorman threw the decisive strike in the bottom of the 23rd.

• 22 innings – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres (June 12 1989)
  

  A 7‑6 win for the Dodgers came after a 22‑inning slog that featured three walk‑off attempts before the final rally.

• 22 innings – San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets (May 6 2019)
  

  The Giants edged the Mets 2‑1 in a game that lasted over six hours, highlighted by a walk‑off single by Brandon Crawford.

• 20 innings – Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays (June 15 2019)
  

  The Red Sox prevailed 6‑5 after a dramatic ninth‑inning rally and a clutch double play in the 20th.

• 20 innings – Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies (June 10 2000)
  

  The Reds secured a 4‑3 victory, with the winning run scoring on a sacrifice fly in the final frame.

• 20 innings – Detroit Tigers vs. Texas Rangers (August 28 2005)
  

  A 6‑5 win for the Tigers capped a night that featured a record‑tying 12 pitching changes and a rain‑soaked outfield.

What makes a game last so long?

Several factors converge to push a contest beyond the usual nine innings. First, a dead‑lock score—often 0‑0 or 1‑1—forces managers to keep using relievers, especially when the bullpens are fresh. Second, weather can halt play, leading to suspended games that resume later in the day or even weeks later, adding to the total elapsed time. Finally, strategic decisions—such as intentional walks to set up a double play—can extend innings when both teams are playing conservatively.

Memorable moments that defined these marathons

Each of the games above includes a signature highlight. The 1920 Robins‑Braves duel saw the final run score on a sacrifice fly that finally broke a 1‑0 deadlock. In the 2006 Mets‑Astros marathon, a two‑run homer by Craig Brennan in the 24th gave Houston the edge after a lengthy rain delay. The 2019 Giants‑Mets game featured Brandon Crawford’s walk‑off single, ending a game that had already seen three extra‑inning home runs.

How teams handle fatigue in marathon games

Coaches often rotate fresh arms from the bullpen, but even the most seasoned relievers can tire after multiple appearances. Position players may be asked to run the bases less aggressively, and defensive shifts become more conservative to preserve energy. In modern times, teams also rely on advanced analytics to decide when to pull a pitcher, balancing the risk of a blown save against the chance to end the game sooner.

FAQ

• What is the longest MLB game by time? The 24‑inning Mets vs. Astros game on April 25 2006 holds the modern record, lasting just over seven hours.
• Are any of the longest games still tied? Yes—the 25‑inning White Sox vs. Giants game in 1924 ended in a 5‑5 tie after darkness forced officials to call the game.
• Do extra‑innings rules affect how long games get? Since 2022, MLB introduced a runner on second base to start each extra inning, which can accelerate scoring and potentially shorten marathon games.