Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies Picks and Predictions April 2nd 2025

Phillies Look to Strike Early in Midweek Showdown With Rockies

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a habit of heating up late in games — but as they continue their series against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, they’re aiming to flip the script and spark their offense from the first pitch.

So far this season, Phillies hitters have struggled early against starting pitchers, managing just two earned runs in 23 1/3 innings — a minuscule 0.77 ERA. But when it comes to facing relievers, it’s been a whole different story. Opposing bullpens have been torched for a 15.63 ERA over 12 2/3 innings, with Philadelphia consistently coming alive in the later frames.

The latest clutch contributors were Edmundo Sosa and Kyle Schwarber, who delivered a seventh-inning burst in Monday’s 6-1 series-opening win. Sosa slapped a two-run double while Schwarber followed with a thunderous two-run homer, capitalizing on yet another bullpen meltdown by the Rockies.

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“I feel good that I’m here. I’m with the Phillies,” Sosa said through an interpreter. “Great city, great teammates. I’m on the best baseball team that there is… Everybody knows they have to do their job.”

Rockies Searching for Offense as Strikeouts Mount

On the other side, the Rockies continue to scuffle at the plate. Colorado has scored just nine runs across its first four games, and the struggles were on full display again Monday. Brenton Doyle had half the team’s hits, and Hunter Goodman supplied the only run with a solo homer in the sixth.

Veterans Kris Bryant and Michael Toglia have been nearly invisible at the plate, combining for a 1-for-25 start with 13 strikeouts. It’s a troubling trend for a team that desperately needs timely hitting and contact-based approaches.

“We’re not putting the ball in play enough,” Rockies manager Bud Black admitted. “Struck out double digits again, and we’ve had trouble getting the big hit. We’ve really got to concentrate on putting the ball in play when we’ve got runners in scoring position.”

If you’re looking for sharp insight on whether the Rockies can turn things around — or if the Phillies continue dominating late — you can find our latest MLB picks and expert predictions to guide your betting strategy.

Pitching Duel Set for Wednesday: Wheeler vs. Freeland

Both teams will send top arms to the mound on Wednesday. For the Phillies, Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50 ERA) will look to build on a dominant Opening Day performance in which he gave up just one run over six innings, striking out eight.

“He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “The combination of power and command and pitchability — that’s why he’s so great.”

Though Wheeler boasts elite stuff, his track record against the Rockies has been mixed, posting a 3-2 record with a 5.02 ERA in five career starts.

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Meanwhile, Colorado counters with lefty Kyle Freeland (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who is coming off a strong season debut against the Rays, where he tossed six scoreless innings, struck out seven, and allowed just two hits. Freeland is looking to bounce back from a tough 2023 season and appears to be in early form.

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Freeland has had success in previous matchups with Philadelphia hitters, notably stifling Kyle Schwarber (1-for-12, six strikeouts), though Nick Castellanos has been a thorn in his side with three home runs in 14 at-bats.

Philadelphia has historically had Colorado’s number, winning 15 of their last 19 meetings — and if their bats can ignite a little sooner this time, they may not need another bullpen collapse to take the win.

Looking for the edge in this NL matchup? Dive into the most up-to-date MLB expert picks and odds before first pitch.