A run line is the MLB baseball version of a point differential. In NFL and NBA point spreads, betting odds are typically -110 standard, and the spread itself is usually moved to balance the action. In baseball, the spread itself is set at -1.5 runs and the attached odds are changed to balance the action. Baseball running lines are usually listed as favorite runs -1.5 or underdog runs +1.5. In other words, the favorite has to win the game by at least 2 runs instead of just winning the game. These MLB baseball sports betting odds significantly alter the money line of the game.

An explanation of why you would play the MLB baseball career line, instead of the official line:

Martinez pitches for Boston and opposes Meadows for Kansas City. The money line is Red Sox -320 and the baseball run line is Red Sox -1.5 -150. This means you can bet on the Red Sox to win the game by more than one run and only have to wager $150 to win $100 instead of the $320 to win $100 with a straight money line bet.

These are the types of situations I look for to use baseball betting odds or run lines. In my experience, using baseball sports betting odds, or run lines, with heavy favorites can be an effective way to bet on the heavy favorite without risking a big loss. If you take your time and do a little research, you’ll find that there are a lot of strong pitchers out there and teams that win a lot when they win.

Therefore, you can use baseball betting odds to make these bets more attractive. What this means is that Boston can be 14-5 with Pedro on the mound and 12 of those wins have come by 2 runs or more. Randy Johnson may have a great record, but because his games always have big money lines, he may end up losing money betting all of his openings. However, by taking baseball betting odds, or the run line, he significantly reduces the amount of money he must risk.