last inning

From baseball: There are 9 innings in a game, unless the game is tied, when it goes into overtime until the tie is broken.

It's the last inning and the Phillies are up to bat against the Braves. The game is tied 3 to 3. It may go into overtime unless the Phillies or the Braves get a run in the 9th.

"The game" of an election, is almost over; the last inning of an election could be the last few weeks before voters vote.

Let's get this act together. It's the last inning: we are down 3% and need to win those 5 Senators to take control.