Expert: Jamie Selko - 9/13/2007

Question
How does a team become a 1/2 game ahead of another team?

Answer
Howdy- Say two teams are vieing for the Champioship, and one has played 21 games and is 15-6 and the other has only played 20 and is 14-6.  Team one would be 1/2 game ahead BECAUSE OF THE UNEQUAL NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED.  It used to be that pennants could be decided with some teams playing four or five  fewer (or, of course, more) than others.  Now, at least in the majors, any games missed WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECT THE PENNANT RACE must be played.  I beleive the rules are much more lax on non-pennant affecting rain-outs, power outages & etc.
 I hope that answers your question.