when is a baseball game called due to rain
Rainout (sports) Generally, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams will continue play in light to moderate rain but will suspend play if it is raining heavily or if there is standing water on the field. Games can also be delayed or canceled for other forms of inclement weather, or if the field is found to be unfit for play, and for other unusual causes such as bees. Bee delays and cancellations have occurred in games such as the spring training game in 2005 that was canceled,[2] as well as the 2009 Houston Astros-San Diego Padres game that was delayed in the ninth inning.[3] However, rain is by far the most common cause for cancellations or stoppages of play. In case of rain out after the game has begun but before it is official, a rain check is issued; this dates to the 1870s, but did not become widespread until the 20th century.
Official game Since most professional baseball games are nine innings long, the fifth inning is used as the threshold for an official game. If the visiting team is leading, or the game is tied, the end of the fifth inning marks this point. If the home team (which bats last) is already ahead in the score, and theoretically would not need its half of the fifth inning, then 4Â½ innings (i.e., the middle of the fifth) is considered an official game. The game is also considered official if the home team scores to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, since the game would end immediately if the same thing happened in the ninth.