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DETROIT – For the first time in MLB history, two teams played a pair of seven- inning games in a doubleheader. The Reds defeated the Tigers 4- 3 in the opener, then took the nightcap 4- 0 Sunday at Comerica Park.

MLB implemented seven- inning doubleheaders because there have already been 33 games postponed due to positive COVID- 19 tests.

The Marlins and Phillies haven’t played a game since July 26. The Marlins had a coronavirus outbreak in their clubhouse with 20 members of their traveling party testing positive.

It was the first doubleheader in Major League Baseball history to play two games fewer than nine innings in 108 years. The Cleveland Naps and Boston Red Sox played five innings in Game 1 and six innings in Game 2 in a doubleheader on Sept. 19, 1912, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

The 1912 shortened doubleheader wasn’t scheduled. Game 1 was shortened by rain and called after a half- hour delay. Game 2 was called after six innings because of darkness, though The Boston Globe described the field as a “wet, muddy pasture.”

What do the players think about playing a seven- inning doubleheader, which is used in the minor leagues?

“I don’t think anybody hates it,” Reds reliever Lucas Sims said beforehand. “I’m sure a lot of things are going to change, right? The closers have to get ready a little early. I think maybe you’ll see a little bit different style. Also, I think a lot of the starters are eligible to get quicker CG’s.

“I’m all for it. I think it’s great. I think it’s kind of safer. Eighteen innings, back- to- back, getting up and down, this, that and the other. I think it’s great all around.”

Game 1 had a 2- hour, 6- minute delay.

RAJ MEHTA/ USA TODAY SPORTS Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez makes a throw to first base for an out against the Tigers during the first inning of the first scheduled seven- inning doubleheader in MLB history.