Run Line

Run Line is a type of spread bet used in baseball, similar to a handicap in other sports. Instead of betting on a team to simply win, the run line applies a -1.5 spread for the favorite and a +1.5 spread for the underdog. This means the favorite must win by at least two runs to cover the spread, while the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by just one run for the bet to be successful.

For example, if the New York Yankees have a -1.5 run line at odds of 2.10, and the Boston Red Sox have a +1.5 run line at odds of 1.80, a bet on the Yankees will only win if they win by at least two runs. If they win by just one run or lose, the bet fails. On the other hand, a bet on the Red Sox at +1.5 would win if they either win the game outright or lose by only one run.

Run line betting offers better odds for favorites compared to a standard moneyline bet but comes with increased risk. It is a popular choice among baseball bettors looking for more value when backing strong teams.