Run Line Bet Explained: How MLB Run Line Betting Works
The run line is baseball's point spread. The favorite is -1.5 runs and the underdog is +1.5 runs. The favorite has to win by two or more runs, and the underdog covers by winning or losing by exactly one.
How the run line works
| Final score | Favorite -1.5 | Underdog +1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite wins 6-2 | Wins | Loses |
| Favorite wins 4-3 | Loses | Wins |
| Underdog wins 5-4 | Loses | Wins |
The price moves a lot from the moneyline. A team that is -170 to win might be +120 at -1.5. A price of +150 implies a 40% chance of a win by two or more.
Why home and road teams are different on the run line
A home team that leads after the top of the ninth does not bat again. It gets one fewer chance to add runs, and a walk-off win in a tied game usually ends by one run. That makes -1.5 harder for home favorites than for road favorites.
Run line rules to check before you bet
- Game length: many sportsbooks require a full nine innings (8.5 if the home team leads) for run line bets to stand. Moneyline bets often need only five innings.
- Listed pitchers: some books void the bet if a named starting pitcher does not start.
- Extra innings count toward the final score.
House rules differ, so read the baseball rules at the book you use. Our sportsbook reviews are a good place to start.
Alternate run lines and the first five innings
Books offer alternate run lines such as -2.5 and +2.5, plus a reverse run line where the favorite gets +1.5. First five innings lines, usually -0.5 and +0.5, take the bullpens out of the bet. Our guide to MLB bullpen trends explains why that matters.