How to read a baseball line score

A baseball line score shows runs by inning for each team, then three totals: R (runs), H (hits) and E (errors).

Each inning's runs sit in their own column across the top; the R-H-E block on the right is the summary. A game is nine innings unless it's tied, in which case it goes to extra innings. Reading left to right tells you not just who's winning but how the game has flowed — a big number in one inning is a rally.

Worked example: A final of R7 H11 E1 means 7 runs on 11 hits with 1 fielding error.

See it in the numbers

Open the spreadsheet and watch this appear in live scores and standings — disguised as work.

Open the spreadsheet →All terms

Related terms

Earned run average (ERA)

ERA is the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings — lower is better, and anything under 3.00 is excellent.

What is a magic number?

A magic number is the combined total of team wins and rival losses needed to clinch a division or playoff spot — when it hits zero, the team is in.

How to read a league table

A league table ranks teams by points; the columns to its right show how those points were earned — games played, wins, draws, losses, goals for and against, and goal difference.

How points work (3-1-0)

In most football leagues a win is worth 3 points, a draw 1 and a loss 0; the team with the most points at the end of the season wins the title.