Dodgers Reach 91 Games Without Extra Innings, Set MLB Record

The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team in Major League Baseball history to play 91 games without a single extra-innings contest during the 2023 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This milestone occurred ahead of their eventual 12-11 victory over the San Francisco Giants on April 26, which marked their first game to go beyond nine innings.

How the Dodgers Achieved the Unlikely Feat

The Dodgers’ 91-game stretch without extra-innings games surpassed the previous record of 88 games set by the 1970 Cincinnati Reds, as verified by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This achievement came despite a 10-8 record in games decided by a margin of two runs or fewer, according to Baseball-Reference data. The team’s pitching staff, which led the league in ERA (3.21) through mid-May, played a critical role in limiting close contests.

Comparing to Historical Precedents

No team in MLB history had previously reached 90 games without an extra-innings contest. The 1970 Reds’ 88-game record stood for 53 years before the Dodgers’ 2023 campaign. This contrasts sharply with the 2022 New York Yankees, who played 11 extra-innings games in their first 91 games of the season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

What This Means for the Dodgers’ Season

While the lack of extra-innings games suggests a high number of decisive victories, it also raises questions about the team’s ability to win in high-pressure situations. The Dodgers’ 14-12 record in games decided by one run through May 1 highlights this dynamic, per MLB.com’s game logs. However, their 32-19 record in 2023 gave them the best winning percentage in the National League as of May 3.

Context Within the 2023 Season

The Dodgers’ 91-game streak without extra-innings games occurred during a season marked by early-season dominance. They entered May with a 32-19 record, the best in the NL, according to ESPN’s standings. This contrasts with their 2022 performance, where they finished 82-80 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013.