Last Updated on August 24, 2025 10:25 pm by Anthony Rome
Here’s your Mets-Phillies pitching showdown preview, setting the stage for Monday night’s marquee matchup. Cristopher Sánchez faces off against Kodai Senga in a duel that pits two elite arms on opposite sides. With the total hovering around 8 runs and Philadelphia a narrow favorite, every inning could sway the scales.
Mets-Phillies Pitching Showdown Preview: Dueling Aces and What’s at Stake
Cristopher Sánchez enters this start as one of MLB’s toughest pitchers. He’s 11–4 with a sparkling 2.41 ERA and 169 strikeouts across 157⅔ innings this season. Since June 1, he boasts the lowest ERA among qualified starters at just 1.94. His ability to limit damage—and temper opposing bats—makes him the heartbeat of the Phillies’ rotation.
On the flip side, Kodai Senga (7–5, ~2.58 ERA) has been equally impressive, especially at home where he holds a 2.50 ERA in 10 starts. ESPN projects both to deliver between 5–6 innings while giving up roughly 2 earned runs and tallying 5–6 strikeouts.
Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Phillies are -121 moneyline favorites to beat the Mets, who are +109 moneyline underdogs. The total, meanwhile, is sitting at 8 runs.
Key Batter Matchups and X-Factors
Phillies to Watch
Kyle Schwarber is the power engine—tied for the MLB lead with 45 homers and over 100 RBIs.
Trea Turner, hitting .300 with 14 homers and 61 RBIs, brings both average and speed to the top of the lineup.
Bryce Harper is locked in, with a .358 OBP, .500 slugging, and streaky recent form.
Mets to Watch
Juan Soto (32 homers) and Francisco Lindor (.265 avg) give the Mets balanced pop and consistency.
Pete Alonso leads with 103 RBIs, providing a potent middle-of-the-order presence.
Prediction
This one feels like a classic pitchers’ duel—both hurlers are in vintage form and limit damage effectively. Given the matchup, Under 8 runs is a strong lean. If Sánchez gets into the seventh and Senga near there, we’ll likely see a low-scoring grind.
My pick:
Phillies win 3–2. Lean Under 8.