Definition of Alternative Run Line

What does the term "alternative run line" mean in the world of baseball betting? What is meant by the term "alternative run line"?

In baseball, one of the popular ways to bet on a game is via the "run line", where the favorite will be docked 1.5 runs, while the underdog will be given 1.5 runs.

With the alternative run line, you can choose an "alternative line", where the favorite might have even more runs taken away, the underdog might be given even more runs, or the favorite is given runs and the underdog has them taken away.

For instance, an alternative run line for a Houston Astros vs Toronto Blue Jays game might look like this:

Toronto Blue Jays, -3.5, 5.00
Houston Astros, +3.5, 1.18

So, if you think that the Blue Jays will blow out the Houston Astros, you'd want to take the -3.5 Blue Jays alternative run line for a potentially massive 5.00 payout.

If you are looking for a layup bet and think that the Astros are going to win, you might want to take the Astros +3.5 line for 1.18.

This means that the Astros will have 3.5 runs added to their total, so if they lose the game by a score of 10-7, you would still win your bet.

On the other hand, if you take the Blue Jays -3.5 line, they'd have to win by at least 4 runs or else you would lose your bet.