How do home or away games affect win-loss records in baseball betting?

ultimate on Sep 13, 2010

In sports and sports betting for that matter, it’s always about the numbers. A bettor should always study game statistics in all its form, especially the home and away team game records.

Home and away records are one of the simplest trends to follow in Major League Baseball betting. Teams that win 60 percent of their home games and break even on the road usually have an excellent chance of playing significant baseball in October.

One thing that bettors should keep in mind is to always be aware of teams that play well in their own turf, as well as squads that struggle on the road. Comparing teams with the best home records to clubs near the top of their respective divisions is a good place to start.

Let’s take a look at the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves as an example. They have the best record upon entering the All-Star break at 30-10. It’s a good thing the Braves play well at Turner Field because they are just 22-26 on the road. Most of Atlanta’s success has occurred against right-handed starting pitchers, where the club is 38-22 compared to 14-14 against southpaw starters.

The Detroit Tigers have been sniffing the top spot in the AL Central for most of the first half thanks to a 32-13 tally at Comerica Park. One of the reasons they haven’t quite been able to get over the hump lies in their 16-25 road mark. The predominately right-hand hitting lineup also has a fine 16-9 ledger against southpaw starters.

The Chicago White Sox used an eight-game winning streak heading into the break to forge into first place in the AL Central. Though they are just eight games above .500 at U.S. Cellular Field, they own a fine 17-9 record in one-run games.

It’s probably no surprise that baseball’s best record at the break belongs to the New York Yankees at 56-32. While it’s true the Bronx Bombers play well at home (28-13), much of that first-half success can be attributed to a 28-19 road ledger. The Yankees have scored the second most runs in the majors (469) and have baseball’s best run differential at +117. It is also interesting to note that the club is 20-11 against MLB baseball teams in its own division.

The best road record in baseball belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays at 28-14. That has helped the squad go 20 games above .500 in the first half. The Rays’ .614 winning percentage would put them in first place in any other division except the AL East, which is where they unfortunately reside.

The surprise team during the first 81 games of the campaign could be the San Diego Padres, currently sitting in first place in the NL West. The Padres are 27-19 at Petco Park and 24-18 on the road. The most radiating statistic is the 304 runs allowed, fewest in the majors. San Diego is also 19-12 in one-run games and 18-10 versus southpaw starters.

The Colorado Rockies always seem to play well in their own ball park, and this season is no exception. The club is hanging tough in the NL West thanks to a 31-16 mark at Coors Field.

The Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates own the two poorest records in baseball because they are having trouble winning at any venue. The Orioles are a league-worst 16-25 at home and an equally ghastly 20-38 on the road. Pittsburgh has been competitive at home (19-20) but a league-worst 17-43 away from home.