College baseball has witnessed some incredible marathon games that have strained players’ endurance and grit while mesmerizing fans. These extended clashes highlight the teams’ competitive spirit and leave indelible marks in NCAA history.
When Nine Innings Weren’t Enough: The Longest NCAA DI Baseball Games Ever
Here are the top ten longest NCAA Division I baseball games that have impacted the sport.
1. Texas (3) vs. Boston College (2) – 25 Innings | 7 hrs., 3 min. | May 30, 2009
This game is the epitome of long NCAA baseball games. It lasted 25 innings and took place at the NCAA Tournament’s Austin Regional, the longest game ever at the Division I level. The game lasted more than seven hours and included remarkable performances, especially from Texas reliever Austin Wood, who pitched 13 shutout innings and struck out 14.
Texas eventually won in the bottom of the 25th, 3-2 at 1:05 a.m. It remains the gold standard for college baseball intensity and drama.
2. College of Charleston (3) vs. William & Mary (2) – 23 Innings | 6 hrs., 3 min. | May 16, 2014
In the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, the College of Charleston defeated William & Mary in a hard-fought 23-inning game. Pitching dominated the day, pushing both bullpens to the edge. The Cougars ultimately scored the winning run in the 23rd, capping off a six-hour struggle.
The win helped Charleston gain momentum on their way to an NCAA Regional appearance that year.
3. UL Lafayette (6) vs. McNeese State (5) – 23 Innings | Undocumented | March 27, 1971
This game predates modern timekeeping in NCAA baseball. It was an undocumented game of 23 innings of back-and-forth action. Louisiana-Lafayette defeated McNeese State 6-5, recording one of the longest wins in pre-digital scorekeeping history. Though not officially timed, it is a beloved part of Cajun baseball folklore.
4. TCU (3) vs. Sam Houston State (2) – 22 Innings | 6 hrs., 54 min. | May 31, 2014
In a 2014 NCAA Fort Worth Regional, TCU and Sam Houston State struggled for nearly seven hours. Both sides were evenly matched, and the score remained locked at 2-2 for what seemed like forever.
TCU’s defense came through in the 22nd inning to secure the victory. This marathon victory set the stage for the Horned Frogs to compete in the College World Series.
5. Fresno State (3) vs. San Diego (2) – 22 Innings | 7 hrs., 12 min. | March 26, 2011
This game is the longest in NCAA history, lasting seven hours and 12 minutes. The showdown, which took place in San Diego, was a mental endurance test. Fresno State finally won 3-2 in the 22nd inning. Between them, the teams left 50 runners on base, with numerous lost opportunities that had supporters wondering if it would ever finish.
6. Baylor (8) vs. Houston (2) – 22 Innings | 6 hrs., 43 min. | Feb. 21, 1999
In this early-season thriller, Baylor and Houston were locked in a low-scoring standstill for nearly six and a half hours. Baylor scored six runs in the 22nd inning, putting the game away 8-2. It remains one of the longest games ever played this early in the season, putting both teams to the test before their conferences even started.
7. Colorado (2) vs. Nebraska (1) – 22 Innings | Undocumented | April 26, 1974
Another classic marathon, this game between Colorado and Nebraska finished with the Buffaloes winning 2-1 after 22 innings. There is no official time recorded, but the conflict was so intense that it made national headlines.
Surprisingly, this occurred just a few years before Colorado discontinued its baseball program, making the victory one of the program’s most memorable events.
8. Kent State (7) vs. Kentucky (6) – 21 Innings | 6 hrs., 37 min. | June 1, 2012
This memorable NCAA Tournament game was part of the Gary Regional. Kent State and Kentucky fought for 21 innings in a back-and-forth slugfest. The Golden Flashes finally won 7-6 and carried that momentum to their first College World Series berth. Not only is it one of the longest games, but it’s also one of the most significant.
9. Evansville (4) vs. Memphis (4) – 21 Innings | Undocumented | March 7, 1999
Unlike the others on this list, this game finished in a tie, which is unusual in collegiate baseball. After 21 innings, the teams were knotted at 4-4, which was most likely due to time limits or darkness. Despite the anticlimactic finale, the sheer amount of innings solidifies its place in NCAA history.
10. Louisiana Tech (2) vs. Southern Arkansas (1) – 21 Innings | Undocumented | Feb. 16, 1985
The list concludes with another old-school epic. Louisiana Tech defeated Southern Arkansas 2-1 in a 21-inning game.
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Though the game was not officially timed, the low score and long innings indicate a masterpiece in pitching and defense. A perfect example of two under-the-radar teams creating a marathon masterpiece.
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