12 Fun Baseball Betting Games for MLB Opening Day

Player Hit Betting: Guess if a player gets a hit or even the type of hit.
Home Run Predictions: Bet on who will hit a home run, the inning, or the distance.
First Run Scored: Predict which team scores first and how.
Single Inning Bets: Focus on one inning - runs, hits, strikeouts, and more.
Pitcher Strikeout Totals: Bet on how many strikeouts a pitcher gets.
Base Stealing Contest: Predict stolen bases or the first player to steal.
Last At-Bat Win: Bet on a walk-off win and how it happens.
Player Base Total: Wager on total bases a player earns (singles, doubles, etc.).
Late Inning Relief: Focus on bullpen performance in the last three innings.
Opening Pitch Result: Guess the outcome of the first pitch - strike, ball, or hit.
Player Matchup Results: Predict outcomes of specific batter-pitcher matchups.
Final Score Prediction: Guess the exact final score or just the winner.

These games make every inning and play more exciting, whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the fun. Start simple, mix up your bets, and enjoy Opening Day like never before with the friends you go to the game!

MLB Baseball Betting 101: 1st Inning Bets

1. Player Hit Betting

Player hit betting lets you wager on whether a specific player will get a hit during MLB Opening Day. This option is perfect for fans who closely follow individual players and their performance.

Here’s how it works:

Choose a player and bet on them getting a hit.
Take it further by predicting the exact number of hits or the type - like a single, double, triple, or home run.

For instance, you could place a $10 bet on Ronald Acuña Jr. getting 2 or more hits in a game.

This type of betting adds instant excitement to the action on Opening Day. Up next, check out another popular option: Home Run Predictions.

2. Home Run Predictions

Home run predictions add an extra layer of fun to MLB Opening Day. This betting option challenges you to predict which players will knock one out of the park.

How It Works: Choose one or more players you think will hit a home run during the game. For an added twist, you can predict the inning or even the distance of the home run.

To improve your chances, consider key factors like ballpark dimensions, weather conditions, and batter-pitcher matchups.

Advanced Options:

Predict the player and the inning for bigger payouts
Bet on the total number of home runs in the entire game

For instance, you could bet on Pete Alonso hitting a home run in the first inning, especially if he has a strong track record against the opposing pitcher. Alternatively, you might wager on the total number of home runs hit during the game.

Up next, learn how to predict which team will score first.

3. First Run Scored

Betting on the first run scored brings excitement right from the start. The idea is simple: predict which team will score first and, if you want, how they'll do it.

How It Works: Choose the team you think will score first. You can also take it up a notch by guessing the method of scoring.

Possible Scoring Methods:

Solo home run
RBI single
Sacrifice fly
Wild pitch or passed ball
Bases-loaded walk
Error

When making your pick, think about factors like:

How well the starting pitcher performs in the first inning
The effectiveness of the leadoff hitter
Trends in first-inning scoring for each team
Weather conditions that might influence early scoring

For instance, if the Atlanta Braves are playing the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day, you might predict the Braves will score first with an RBI single.

Advanced Betting Options:

Predict the exact inning the first run will be scored
Guess which player will score the first run
Outline the sequence, like a walk, followed by a stolen base, and then an RBI single

This type of bet gives you a quick thrill and lets you enjoy the rest of the game with added excitement. Up next, we'll dive into inning-specific bets for even more action.

4. Single Inning Bets

Single inning betting zeroes in on just one inning, offering faster outcomes and more frequent opportunities to win.

Here are some common single inning betting options:

Over/under on runs scored
Whether either team will score
Which team will win the inning
Total number of hits
If a strikeout will occur

To improve your chances, advanced strategies can help fine-tune these bets.

Advanced Strategies to Consider:

Batting order position: Pay attention to which part of the lineup is due up.
Pitcher's fatigue: A tired starting pitcher may struggle as the game progresses.
Inning-specific performance: Research how players or teams have historically performed in specific innings.

For instance, during the 2025 Opening Day game between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, you might bet on the Yankees scoring in the 3rd inning based on their lineup and the opposing pitcher’s trends.

Specialty Inning Bets

These combine multiple outcomes for potentially higher payouts. Examples include:

Betting that a team scores 2 or more runs in an inning
Predicting the starting pitcher will strike out all three batters
Wagering that a team will bat through their entire lineup in one inning

Timing Is Key

Certain innings are better for placing these bets:

1st inning: Pitchers are still settling in, which can lead to early scoring.
3rd inning: The lineup cycles back to the top, often featuring stronger hitters.
7th inning: Relief pitchers take over, and scoring opportunities tend to increase.

For example, the 7th inning is often a prime time for "runs scored" bets because bullpens can be unpredictable, creating more chances for offensive plays.

5. Pitcher Strikeout Totals

Placing bets on how many strikeouts a starting pitcher racks up on Opening Day can add an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Common Strikeout Betting Options

Over/Under Totals: Bet on whether a pitcher will exceed or fall short of a specific strikeout number. For example, you could wager $10 that Gerrit Cole will strike out more than 7 batters on Opening Day.
First to X Strikeouts: Predict which pitcher will hit a specific strikeout count first. For instance, you might bet on whether Spencer Strider or Corbin Burnes will reach 5 strikeouts first.

These bets demand careful analysis, so keep the following in mind:

Key Factors to Evaluate

Matchup History: Check how the pitcher has fared against the opposing lineup in the past.
Recent Performance: Look at the pitcher’s recent strikeout numbers to gauge their current form.

6. Base Stealing Contest

Add some excitement to MLB Opening Day by betting on baserunning outcomes. You can wager on which player will steal the first base or guess the total number of stolen bases in the game.

For instance, you might bet on Ronald Acuña Jr. - known for his speed - to be the first to swipe a base. This type of bet keeps you glued to the action and makes those high-energy plays even more thrilling to watch.

Up next, we'll dive into how late-game relief pitching can impact betting outcomes.

7. Last At-Bat Win

If you're into inning and baserunning bets, the option takes the end-of-game tension to another level.

This bet focuses on predicting a dramatic finish where a team clinches victory in their final at-bat. To make an informed wager, keep these factors in mind:

Home field advantage: The team batting last gets the final chance to score.
Bullpen performance: Strong late-inning relief pitching can make or break the game.
Clutch hitting: Some teams excel under pressure and deliver when it matters most.

For an extra layer of fun, you can even specify how the walk-off happens - whether it's a home run, a single, a walk, or a sacrifice fly.

Pay attention to team health and pitching matchups as well. For example, the Toronto Blue Jays' healthier rotation compared to their division rivals could give them an edge in keeping games close until the final innings.

This type of bet captures the heart-stopping drama that makes Opening Day unforgettable.

8. Player Base Total

Player Base Total allows you to bet on how many bases a player will accumulate during a game. Here's how it works: a single counts as 1 base, a double as 2, a triple as 3, and a home run as 4.

When placing your bet, think about factors like the player's spot in the batting order, their matchup against the pitcher, the ballpark's size, and how they've been hitting lately.

For instance, if you bet on Juan Soto to exceed 5 total bases, he could achieve that through:

A home run and a single
Two doubles and a single
Five singles

"MLB's real Opening Day is just a couple of sleeps away and I couldn't be more pumped. Bring on the baseball. Bring on the fantasy baseball, too."

Want to dive into more betting options? Check out BettorEdge for your next challenge!

9. Late Inning Relief

On MLB Opening Day, Late Inning Relief zeroes in on bullpen performance during the final three innings of the game.

How It Works: Place bets based on how the bullpen performs in innings 7 through 9. You can choose from options like:

Predicting the total runs allowed by the bullpen in those innings
Betting on which reliever will give up the first run

This format simplifies your bet and keeps the spotlight on the crucial late-game action.

Example: Let’s say the Yankees are playing the Red Sox on Opening Day. You could bet that the Yankees' bullpen will give up 3 or more runs after the 7th inning.

BettorEdge offers plenty of betting options for betting MLB games across runline, moneyline, totals and player props, adding extra excitement to Opening Day.

10. Opening Pitch Result

Start MLB Opening Day with a quick bet on how the very first pitch will play out.

How It Works: Place a bet on what happens with the game's opening pitch.

Here are some common outcomes and their potential point values:

Strike (called or swinging): 1 point
Ball: 1 point
Foul ball: 2 points
Ball put in play (hit): 3 points

Strategy Tip: Look into the starting pitcher's habits and the leadoff hitter's tendencies. Some pitchers favor throwing first-pitch fastballs for strikes, while others aim for the edges of the strike zone.

Example: For the 2025 Opening Day game between the Yankees and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, you might bet on Gerrit Cole delivering a first-pitch strike to the Red Sox leadoff hitter. Cole is known for his aggressive approach early in the count, making this a smart prediction based on his style.

This quick bet adds a layer of excitement and pairs perfectly with more detailed bets on BettorEdge.

11. Player Matchup Results

Want a more detailed way to bet? Focus on individual batter-pitcher matchups instead of the overall game.

You choose a batter and a pitcher, then bet on the outcome of their face-off - like whether the batter gets a base hit, the pitcher strikes them out, or another result (walk, home run, ground out, or fly out).

How to Improve Your Picks: Dive into past matchups between the two players, study the pitcher's arsenal, check the batter's recent stats, and think about game conditions, including lefty/righty advantages.

Example: Picture a high-stakes showdown during an All-Star game. You could bet on whether the batter gets a hit or if the pitcher strikes them out.

Scoring System:

Base Hit = 2 points
Extra-Base Hit = 3 points
Home Run = 4 points
Strikeout = 2 points
Walk = 1 point
Other Out = 1 point

Keep track of your points to see how accurate your predictions are. This setup is perfect for spotlight matchups, like those that headline Opening Day.

12. Final Score Prediction

Think you can predict the exact final score on Opening Day? Here's your chance to put your skills to the test. To make an informed guess, you'll need to analyze factors like pitching matchups, weather, and team offense.

When Shohei Ohtani is on the mound, remember his pitching often leads to low-scoring games.

What to consider:

Home field advantage
Stats and recent performance of starting pitchers
Bullpen health and reliability
Weather conditions
Team offensive strength

Pro tip: Early spring weather can have a big impact on scoring. For instance, strong winds at Wrigley Field might turn a low-scoring game into a high-scoring slugfest.

Scoring Tiers

Prediction Accuracy	Points
Exact final score	10
Correct run differential	5
Correct winner	3

Make your final score predictions and place other MLB bets on BettorEdge for the full Opening Day experience.

How to Strategize: Start with a baseline score based on the pitching matchup. Then, adjust for offensive performance, weather, and ballpark factors. This approach ties together insights from earlier bets.

Conclusion

MLB Opening Day isn’t just the start of the season - it’s an opportunity to make watching the games even more engaging through betting. These games transform passive viewing into an interactive and exciting experience.

Betting can deepen your understanding of the game, encourage social interaction, and sharpen your decision-making skills. In addition to the games above in-person, BettorEdge offers a variety of betting options like Runline, Winner, Totals, and Player Props. Plus, their peer-to-peer model removes traditional house fees, giving players a better deal. With features like social sharing and community insights, you can track your progress and learn from others in the community.

Betting on Opening Day isn’t just about winning - it’s about enhancing how you enjoy baseball. Start with simple bets, keep an eye on your results, and connect with other fans in the BettorEdge community.

For a fun challenge, mix up your bets - track pitcher strikeouts or first-inning scoring - and create your own Opening Day tradition. Use BettorEdge to make every moment of Opening Day even more memorable.