The Miami Marlins are set to host the New York Mets for the start of a highly anticipated three-game series on Monday, March 31, 2025. First pitch from loanDepot Park is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT, and fans can catch the action live on SNY or stream it via DirecTV Stream.
The Marlins enter this matchup with a surprising momentum, having won three of their four games against the Pittsburgh Pirates in their opening series. Each of those victories was a nail-biter, as Miami showcased their pitching prowess by striking out 36 Pirates over the four games. However, scoring has been limited, with the Marlins averaging just four runs per game during that stretch.
On the other side of the diamond, the Mets are looking to bounce back after a challenging opening series in Houston, where they lost two out of three games. New York struggled offensively, scoring only five runs in total, which has raised concerns about their batting lineup. Juan Soto, the star outfielder who recently signed a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, is one of the few bright spots for the Mets. He managed to hit a home run and collect three hits in his first nine at-bats, but the overall offensive output has been lackluster.
Tonight’s starting pitchers are David Peterson for the Mets and Cal Quantrill for the Marlins. Peterson had an impressive 2024 season, finishing with a 10-3 record and a 2.90 ERA. His ability to control the game will be crucial for New York as they aim to generate more offense against a Marlins team that has proven to be tough defensively.
Meanwhile, Quantrill, who posted a 4.98 ERA last season with the Colorado Rockies, will need to step up as a reliable back-end option for the Marlins. Although his past performance has been inconsistent, Miami is counting on him to keep the struggling Mets lineup in check.
The Mets have hit the Under in all three of their games this season, and the combined total of any two of their first three games wouldn’t have exceeded the Over for tonight’s matchup. This trend has led to predictions favoring the Under, with a betting line set at 8.5 runs.
As the game approaches, the pressure is mounting on both teams. The Mets, currently 1-2, need to find their rhythm at the plate, while the Marlins, riding high with a 3-1 record, are eager to prove their early-season success is no fluke. With both teams struggling to put runs on the board, fans can expect a tightly contested game.
In terms of betting odds, the Mets are currently favored at -165 on the moneyline, while the Marlins are listed at +140. The run line shows New York at -1.5 (+105) and Miami at +1.5 (-125). As for the Over/Under, it is set at 8 runs, reflecting the cautious optimism surrounding the offenses of both teams.
One of the key players to watch tonight will be Juan Soto, who has shown flashes of brilliance since joining the Mets. His ability to swing the bat effectively could be the difference-maker in this matchup. After hitting his first home run of the season against the Astros, Soto expressed confidence in his team's potential, saying, "Just thinking about what we can do and what we can be capable of doing as a team takes all the pressure off." His demeanor and performance will be crucial as the Mets look to improve their standing in the National League East.
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on the pitching duel between Peterson and Quantrill. Peterson's strong showing last season has set high expectations, and if he can replicate that performance, the Mets may finally find their offensive groove. However, if Quantrill can deliver an effective outing, the Marlins could continue their early-season success and put pressure on their division rivals.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to establish their identities early in the season, this matchup promises to be an exciting start to the series. Fans should prepare for a thrilling night of baseball as the Mets and Marlins battle it out in Miami.
