Colorado (1-2) at Philadelphia (2-1)
- When: Mar 31 2025, 3:05 PM
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Where to watch: NBCS-PH+
MLB Betting Preview: Rockies vs Phillies – Game 1
Moneyline: Philadelphia -245 | Total: 8.5
The Philadelphia Phillies are set to open their home slate on Monday afternoon, and they’ll send left-hander Cristopher Sanchez to the mound as solid -245 moneyline favorites against the visiting Colorado Rockies. The total for this National League matchup is set at 8.5.
Phillies Outlook and Prediction
Philadelphia enters this series after taking two of three from the Nationals to begin the season. Despite dropping Sunday’s finale 5-1, the Phillies flashed offensive potential and now get a favorable matchup against a Rockies team that struggles on the road. Sanchez (11-9, 3.32 ERA in 2024) is coming off a breakout year and looked sharp in spring training, boasting a 1.62 ERA across five starts. He’s also had Colorado’s number in the past, posting a 2.87 ERA in three career starts against them.
Injury concerns loom over the offense with J.T. Realmuto (foot) and Trea Turner (back) listed as day-to-day. Realmuto is expected back in the lineup, while Turner may get another rest day. Edmundo Sosa has filled in admirably, going 4-for-8 to start the season.
The Phillies will aim to clean up some missed opportunities after stranding 10 runners on base and going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position on Sunday. Still, this team is built for power and is in a prime bounce-back spot at Citizens Bank Park.
Rockies Breakdown
The Rockies are off to a 1-2 start after dropping their series against Tampa Bay. German Marquez will get the ball on Monday, but he’s still trying to find his form after elbow issues limited him to just five total starts over the past two seasons. He enters with a career ERA of 3.74 in eight starts against the Phillies, but his 5.74 ERA this spring doesn’t inspire much confidence.
While Colorado’s starters had a surprisingly solid start to the year with a combined 1.17 ERA through the first three games, the bullpen and lineup remain major concerns. The Rockies’ bats showed flashes in Sunday’s loss, with Nick Martini going 3-for-4 and newcomer Mickey Moniak hitting a clutch pinch-hit two-run homer.
Still, this is a team that historically struggles outside of Coors Field and is stepping into a hostile environment with a shaky starter on the mound.
Betting Prediction
Philadelphia has the pitching edge, the deeper lineup (even if Turner rests), and home-field advantage. Expect Sanchez to control the game early while the Phillies’ bats capitalize on Marquez’s inconsistency.
Prediction: Phillies 6, Rockies 3
Best Bet: Phillies -1.5 (-120)
Lean: Over 8.5 (-110) – especially if Turner returns to the lineup and the Rockies’ bullpen is exposed late.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
