BetMGM Baseball: MLB Teams with most 1-Run wins in 2022

By BetMGM Staff Writer /

Close games are an inevitable part of baseball and oftentimes the difference between making the postseason and enjoying an extended offseason.

Of the 10 playoff teams from 2021, only three finished with a losing record in one-run games and all but one of those teams won at least 20 one-run games on their way to the postseason. Finding a way to nailbiting victories is an indicator of long-term success and can play a huge role in MLB betting.

Which MLB teams have the most one-run wins in 2022? Here’s an updated list:

MLB Teams With Most One-Run Wins

Colorado Rockies

Record in One-Run Games: 3-0

Few people outside of the Colorado Rockies organization could have expected the start to the season. As of April 20, the Rockies are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West Division lead and it’s in part thanks to their ability to eke out hard-fought victories.

Colorado wrapped up their third one-run win on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, improving their record to 3-0 on the season. Daniel Bard has been a revelation as a closer, converting five of six save opportunities against some of the best teams in the MLB.

The Rockies are showing they can swing their bats with the best of them and if this is their new standard for close games, they could supplant a few teams in the standings.

Chicago White Sox

Record in One-Run Games: 3-1

The Chicago White Sox have a solid mix of seasoned vets and up-and-comers. They are second only to the Rockies for the best record in one-run games through the first week and a half of the season.

Their young roster members may have learned some tough lessons from last season, as they were one of the three playoff teams with a losing record in close games. Still, things are off to a good start for the White Sox this year, with the Central Division leaders winning three straight one-run games after dropping a season-opening 5-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Experience is an invaluable asset; if the White Sox can maintain this play in close games, they could claim their second straight division title by an even wider margin.

San Francisco Giants

Record in One-Run Games: 3-2

The San Francisco Giants’ ability to win close games separated them from the pack last year, helping them to the best record in the Majors. San Fran finished the year 31-17 in one-run games, tied for the second-most wins and fourth-fewest losses. The Giants are ready for the grind again, going 3-2 in one-run games through the first 11 games of the season.

All three of the Giants’ opening weekend games against the Miami Marlins were decided by a lone score, with San Fran taking two of three. Their other victory came against the division rival San Diego Padres in the rubber match of last week’s NL West series, while they lost Game 1 of a doubleheader to the New York Mets, 5-4, on Wednesday.

The Giants have an unflappable roster comprised of savvy veterans and talented youth on both sides of the ball. Whether they need a timely hit or a crucial out, anyone on the roster can be relied upon as an impact player.

Last year’s success was written off as an anomaly for an aging team, but the Giants are showing no signs of slowing down with their 7-3 start. This could be the beginning of another triumphant season for San Fran.

Milwaukee Brewers

Record in One-Run Games: 3-2

Two of the Brewers’ close victories came against division opponents, but it’s a net-zero effect, as their two losses came against the same teams. Close games are unfamiliar territory for the Brewers, as they played in just 36 one-run games last season, the second-fewest in the MLB, going 21-15.

Milwaukee will need to have nerves of steel in the NL Central and inexperience in close games could put them at a disadvantage for those high-pressure moments. Keep an eye on how this team performs in one-run contests.

Tampa Bay Rays

Record in One-Run Games: 3-2

The only other three-win team in tight games to start the season is the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 on Opening Day and edged out the lowly Oakland A’s in extra innings before picking up their third one-run win last night at Wrigley Field. However before they headed off to their first interleague series of 2022, Tampa dropped a pair of one-run games in the South Side to the aforementioned White Sox by identical 3-2 scores.

The AL East is as competitive a division as there is in all of baseball, putting extra emphasis on finishing winnable games if the Rays want to repeat.

BetMGM authors are sports experts, with a wealth of knowledge of the sports betting industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news across players, teams and coaches, providing betting previews and predictions, fun facts and more. Twitter: @BETMGM