The Seattle Mariners visit Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for Game 3 of their series against the Philadelphia Phillies. First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET, with the game airing on MLBN (and regional sports networks). Seattle (68–58) sends Luis Castillo (8–6, 3.48 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) to the mound, while Philadelphia (72–53) counters with Jesús Luzardo (11–6, 4.21 ERA, 1.34 WHIP). The Phillies are slight favorites at around –140 to –145, and the total sits at 8.5 runs.
Team Analysis
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners enter this matchup sitting 10 games over .500, powered by one of the most potent offenses in baseball. Seattle has already slugged 178 home runs this season, ranking third in MLB, and they’ve consistently produced runs in bunches.
Luis Castillo remains their ace, mixing mid-90s velocity with sharp secondary stuff. He’s struck out 142 batters in 139 innings but has battled inconsistency of late, giving up multiple runs in two of his last three outings. Seattle will need Castillo to neutralize Philadelphia’s middle-of-the-order sluggers to give them a chance in a tough road environment.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies, at 72–53, are fighting to stay atop the NL East and bring one of the league’s most balanced lineups. Kyle Schwarber has blasted 43 home runs with 103 RBIs, while Trea Turner is hitting .295 with 13 homers and 62 RBIs, giving the offense both power and contact. J.T. Realmuto adds timely production in the middle of the order.
Jesús Luzardo has been solid if not spectacular, posting 11 wins and showing the ability to miss bats (144 strikeouts in 137 innings). His challenge will be containing Seattle’s power bats early and pitching deep enough to keep pressure off the bullpen.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Luis Castillo vs Phillies’ patience – Philadelphia thrives on working counts, and Castillo will need to avoid elevated pitch counts early.
- Schwarber and Turner vs Mariners pitching – Both are game-changers who can quickly shift momentum.
- Bullpens late – The Phillies’ bullpen has been steadier, but Seattle’s lineup depth can force high-leverage situations.
Prediction
This matchup sets up as a tight, high-scoring battle. Both teams feature star power on the mound and at the plate, but Philadelphia’s balance and home-field edge give them a slight advantage.
Final Score Prediction: Phillies 5, Mariners 4
Best Bets
- Phillies Moneyline – Home lineup depth makes them the safer side.
- Over 8.5 Total Runs – Both teams have power bats capable of cashing the over.
- Anytime HR: Kyle Schwarber – His lefty power against Castillo makes him a strong prop option.
