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Little League standardizes rule

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Little League Baseball is tweaking its pitch count rules so they are the same in regular-season and tournament play.

Little League officials said the changes go into effect starting next season.

Previously, a 12-year-old who threw the maximum 85 pitches in a regular-season game was required to have three days of rest and one game off, or a blanket four days of rest.

Tournament rules, including those for the Little League World Series, had called for a 12-year-old to have two days of rest and one game off before pitching again.

Beginning next season, that pitcher will be required to rest four days, whether during the regular season or tournament play.

Rest requirements vary according to age and pitches thrown.