Runline betting works similarly to the standard spread betting seen in other leagues. Before the start of the game, one team is given a 1.5 run advantage over the other. The team receiving the 1.5 run advantage is the underdog squad, while the opposite team is the favorite. The reason the advantage is only 1.5 runs is because baseball is, generally speaking, a rather low scoring affair. In order for the favorite team to cover the runline, they need to win by two or more runs. Similarly, in order for the underdog to cover, they must beat the favorite outright or not lose by more than one run.