First Inning Bets: Earlier Props, Sooner Naps

READ MORE: Sports Betting, Strategy

Lollygagging Dodger fans take note – if you’re in no hurry to catch the first inning, you’re missing out on one of the most popular sports bets on the Net. Bet365, BetWWTS and William Hill all offer “score in the first inning” bets that look mighty tempting.

Last weekend’s Interleague play showed where bettors can make some quick dollars by scraping spare change from between the couch cushions.In 45 games, a run crossed the plate in the first inning 27 times – a not-too-shabby edge of 53 percent. The odds aren’t fat when you find them – at Bet365, today’s White Sox v. Tigers and Pirates v. Nationals match-ups will pay you 11/10 if teams score in the first inning of either game. That’s a profit of a penny for every dime bet you win! If you’re on a hot streak, that could add up to a Happy Meal on a good day!

Meanwhile, William Hill and a couple of other spots want you to pick the TEAM that will score in the First Inning. The odds get fatter (Washington pays 13/5 if they score in the first, for example), but then the pick is dicier. Keep in mind that the Home Team scored a run in the first inning in 14 of 45 games over the weekend. That’s just short of one-third of the time.

For this type of bet, we ain’t talking NBA Lottery Pick pay-off here, but every penny count when you’re snooping for beer money.

Score in the First Inning [Bet 365]
Score in the First Inning [William Hill]
Score in the First Inning [BetWWTS]
MLB Scores & Schedule [Yahoo]