EDINA, Minn. - The Minnesota State High School League is allowing shorter baseball and softball games because of the unseasonably cool weather.
The league's executive committee made the ruling Wednesday. The measure allows for a maximum number of games to be played in a condensed season while preserving pitchers' arms.
By mutual agreement, teams now can play two 5-inning games in a doubleheader format for the rest of this season only. The standard format is seven innings for the first game and five innings for the second game.
Imagine you play softball year-round, and you're the defending conference champs looking forward to your big senior season.
And eleven days into April, your softball field is still half-covered in snow.
"I've been playing since I was 8. So for this to be my last season, would be so sad," said Edina senior Anna Pins.
"It's been brutal. Every time I think we're going to get outside we get a couple more inches of snow," said Edina senior Ellie Soukup.
Edina High School's softball team hasn't practiced outside yet.
Around the state, some teams are rebelling against Mother Nature. Mahtomedi's softball team and Otter Tail Central's baseball team in Battle Lake practiced in the snow.
But playing a sanctioned game in this weather is another story.
So with the canceled games piling up, the Minnesota State High School League decided on a rule change.
Edina coach KJ Johnson personally won't take part in the shorter format, for conference games at least.
"I want my girls to go out there and compete for seven innings. Not five innings. Our game is a seven-inning game," Johnson said.
But of course, before a double-header is possible, the snow will have to melt.
For now, the spring high school sports season continues without a hint of spring.
Single games still must be played under the national rules requiring 7-inning games or until a regulation game is completed.