BROOKLYN CENTER, 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 pitcher's 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.

Single games still must be played under the national rules requiring 7-inning games or until a regulation game is completed.

The Star Tribune reports the league also relaxed staffing standards for the rest of this season because of concerns about the number of available officials.