1. What is Total Betting in Baseball?
- Total betting (also called over/under) is a wager on the combined number of runs scored by both teams in a game.
- The sportsbook sets a number, called the total. You bet on whether the actual total runs scored will be over or under that number.
- Example: Total = 7.5 runs
- Over 7.5: You win if the game ends with 8 runs or more combined.
- Under 7.5: You win if the game ends with 7 runs or fewer combined.
Important: Most sportsbooks include extra innings unless specified otherwise. This means runs scored after 9 innings still count.
2. Example with a Team
Let’s use the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox as an example.
- Total set by sportsbook: 9.5 runs
- Your choices:
- Over 9.5 → you expect both teams to score 10+ runs combined.
- Under 9.5 → you expect both teams to score 9 or fewer runs combined.
Scenario 1: Game ends 6-5 (Yankees 6, Red Sox 5)
- Total runs = 11 → Over 9.5 wins.
Scenario 2: Game ends 3-2 (Yankees 3, Red Sox 2)
- Total runs = 5 → Under 9.5 wins.
Scenario 3: Game tied 4-4 after 9 innings, goes into extra innings, final score 6-5
- Total runs = 11 → Over 9.5 wins (extra innings included).
3. Betting Tips for Total Betting
- Check the starting pitchers:
- Strong pitchers → usually fewer runs → Under is more likely.
- Weak pitchers → more runs → Over is more likely.
- Consider the ballpark:
- Some stadiums favor hitters (e.g., Yankee Stadium) → higher totals likely.
- Pitcher-friendly parks → lower totals likely.
- Look at team lineups:
- Injuries to key hitters → lowers chances of scoring → favor Under.
- Hot hitters or power hitters → favor Over.
- Weather & conditions:
- Wind blowing out → favors Over.
- Rainy or cold conditions → favor Under.
- Extra innings factor:
- Teams with strong bullpens but weak offense → games may stay low even if extra innings happen.
- High-scoring teams with weaker closers → extra innings may push Over.
4. Example Bet Slip
| Game | Bet Type | Total | Your Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees vs Red Sox | Total (O/U) | 9.5 | Over |
| Reason | Strong offense, ballpark favors hitters |
Key Takeaways
- Total betting is about combined runs, not who wins.
- Extra innings count unless stated otherwise.
- Always check pitchers, lineups, and ballpark/weather conditions before betting.
- If unsure, historical team stats can guide you (e.g., Yankees average 5 runs/game).
If you want, I can make a step-by-step example showing a full week of Yankees games with real over/under bets, showing what would have won or lost, so you can see this in action.