The phrase "eighth inning" refers to a specific portion of a baseball game. It is the eighth out of nine innings, or rounds, in which the game is divided. Full definition
To me that is the leading reason why we are in the seventh or eighth inning of a bull market now, because almost any entity can get the loans they want at attractive levels. (alephblog.com)
It was seemingly commonplace to see John Farrell let Sale go back out for the seventh or eighth inning with a pitch count around 100 last year, but he wasn't as effective when it mattered in September and October. (actionnetwork.com)
You can let him pitch the whole eighth inning and get you to the closer.» (si.com)