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Softball Mercy Rule and Lightning Delays Explained

5/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In college softball, a mercy rule allows games to conclude early if one team is ahead by eight or more runs after five innings, a regulation in the NCAA tournament and Women's College World Series. Moreover, safety protocols trigger lightning delays when strikes are detected within six miles, pausing the game for approximately 30 minutes.

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Story summary

In college softball, a mercy rule allows games to conclude early if one team is ahead by eight or more runs after five innings, a regulation in the NCAA tournament and Women's College World Series. Moreover, safety protocols trigger lightning delays when strikes are detected within six miles, pausing the game for approximately 30 minutes.