Not everyone enjoys watching a full baseball game, as they can go on a long time. One way to still have action on a game is to bet on whether or not a run will be scored in the first inning.
This is a simple yes or no wager available at leading MLB sportsbooks.
Here’s an example:
NYY/BOS 1st Inning Run – Yes (+100) vs. No (-120)
You must use a bookie offering $.20 lines on this prop. If you’re betting into a $.30 line, you’re paying too much commission and it’ll make it extremely difficult to try and win long-term.
Sports bettors often bet on “NO” more than they bet on “YES” and therefore bookies typically juice up the “NO” side of the bet. This can present value betting on “YES” in some circumstances.
Handicapping MLB First Inning Props
The first step is to visit ScoresandStats.com (SAS). Why? They have game previews and recaps for every single MLB game allowing you to get the betting information you require.
When handicapping first inning run scored props, starting pitching is most important.
However, don’t go off of name recognition. Some aces struggle in the first inning. Gerrit Cole went 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA for the Astros in 2019, but he had a 3.55 ERA in the 1st inning.
Tracking how starting pitchers perform in the first inning is important for this wager.
If an ace is struggling in the first inning, you’re likely going to find value betting “YES”. You’ll get a great price on betting “YES” with an ace involved because the public will be betting “NO.
You also need to keep track of how often a team scores a run in the first inning and how often a team allows a first inning run. Can you guess which team scored in the 1st inning most often last season (2019)? It was the Cincinnati Reds who scored in the first inning in 40.74% of their games.
Other important things to look at when handicapping this MLB prop bet include weather, umpires, pitcher vs. batter splits, stadium dynamics and recent form.
One thing that’s ideal about this prop bet is that you know a lot of information. You know who the two pitchers are going to be in the first inning and you know who is batting.
Make sure you check out the pitching vs. batting splits. Do the first three guys in the order struggle against the pitcher they’re about to play against or have they had success?
Lack the Time to Handicap Baseball Games?
As you can see, even handicapping first inning MLB props requires time. I know everyone doesn’t have the time to track down the statistics daily to handicap MLB markets.
Instead, for the best MLB picks tonight, head over to GameAdvisers.com.
Game Advisers is a handicapping service that’s free to join. You’ll be able to access MLB system plays, MLB computer picks and sharp plays from a team of MLB handicappers spanning the nation.
They also compile statistics, trends and other betting information in one central location that’s easily accessible to everyone. Join today and you’ll quickly notice your winning percentage increase.
