Is performing well in extra-inning games an important factor in success in the major leagues?

Looking at games in the 2017 MLB season, we see there are 13 of the 30 teams that have a winning record (above .500) in extra-inning games. Of those 13, all six of the current division leaders (the Dodgers, Cubs and Nats in the N.L.; the Red Sox, Astros and Indians in the A.L.) have a winning record in extra-inning contests this season.

The Orioles (not one of the division-leaders) have the best extra-inning record at 10-2 (.833) in the majors. The other three teams with a winning percentage above .700 in extra-inning games this season are the Dodgers (8-3 .727), Diamondbacks (8-3 .727) and Red Sox (11-3 .786). The D’Backs currently hold one of the Wild Card spots in the N.L., while the Dodgers and Red Sox, as noted above, are division-leaders.

Here’s one more stat about this year’s extra-inning games records: The 13 teams that have a winning record in extra-inning games have a combined overall record of 886-755, a .540 winning percentage. The 17 teams that do not have a winning record in extra-inning games are a combined 1005-1136, a .469 winning percentage.

StatsonTapp