MIAMI, FL—The Miami Marlins kicked off their 2025 season on March 27, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates in a rematch of last year's Opening Day. This year, the excitement was palpable as two standout pitchers took the mound: Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, faced off against Paul Skenes, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year. Fans gathered at loanDepot park for what promised to be an exhilarating matchup.
Alcantara, making his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery, hadn't pitched in a regular season game since September 3, 2023. "I was out for more than 17 months," Alcantara shared before the game. "Now I'm back, I'm super excited to be out there tomorrow and show people that I was working to be out there to represent my country and my team." However, he noted that a pitch count had been set for him, as he had only maxed out at four innings and 57 pitches during Grapefruit League action.
The Marlins made a significant move just before the season opener, trading for right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. Phillips, who struggled last season with a 6.87 ERA, is expected to bolster the bullpen. Reliever Seth Martinez was designated for assignment to make room for Phillips.
First-year manager Clayton McCullough, who replaced Skip Schumaker, expressed enthusiasm about his debut. "Opening Day is a special time for everyone," he said, reflecting on the significance of the day. He advised his players to savor the moment, especially since 17 of the 26 players on the Marlins' roster were experiencing their first Opening Day at the MLB level.
The Marlins' starting lineup featured four left-handed hitters, strategically deployed to counter Skenes. The lineup was as follows:
- Shortstop: Xavier Edwards
- Left Fielder: Kyle Stowers
- Designated Hitter: Jonah Bride
- First Baseman: Matt Mervis
- Second Baseman: Otto Lopez
- Right Fielder: Griffin Conine
- Center Fielder: Derek Hill
- Third Baseman: Graham Pauley
- Catcher: Nick Fortes
- Starting Pitcher: Sandy Alcantara
As the game commenced, Alcantara's return was met with cheers from the home crowd. He was the youngest Opening Day starter for the Marlins since José Fernández in 2014, and excitement filled the air as he took the mound. The first pitch was set for 4:10 PM, and the atmosphere was electric.
On the opposing side, the Pirates were looking to build on their 76-86 record from the previous season, where they dominated the Marlins, going 7-0 against them. Skenes, who had a stellar rookie season with a 1.96 ERA, was a key figure in the Pirates' plans. His impressive arsenal included a fastball, splinker, curveball, and slider, with the splinker being particularly effective, leading to a 29.3% whiff rate.
During the game, Alcantara delivered a solid performance, showcasing his skills after a lengthy absence. However, the Pirates struck first with a home run from Nick Gonzales in the sixth inning, putting them ahead. The Marlins' offense, which had struggled last season, aimed to respond with power and precision.
Despite the challenges, the Marlins found themselves in a competitive matchup, showcasing their young talent, including Graham Pauley, who was starting at third base due to Connor Norby being on the injured list. Pauley, who made the roster after being optioned to Triple-A, was eager to make an impact in his first Opening Day.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged blows, with key plays from players like Oneil Cruz and Ke'Bryan Hayes of the Pirates, who were looking to improve their offensive stats from the previous season. The Pirates' bullpen, which ranked low in ERA last year, was also under scrutiny as they aimed to improve their performance in 2025.
In the dugout, McCullough monitored the game closely, hoping to guide his team to a successful start to the season. The Marlins had struggled last year, finishing with a 62-100 record, and the pressure was on to turn things around. With a mix of veterans and promising rookies, the team was determined to make a statement this season.
As the sun began to set over Miami, the game continued to unfold, with both teams battling for an early-season win. The Marlins' fans remained hopeful, cheering loudly for their team as the players fought hard on the field.
With the season just beginning, both teams had much to prove. The Marlins were looking to shake off the past and start fresh, while the Pirates aimed to build on their previous success against Miami. As the game drew closer to its conclusion, the excitement in the stadium was palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of this Opening Day showdown.
In the end, the Opening Day matchup was more than just a game; it was a celebration of baseball, hope, and the promise of a new season. Both teams left everything on the field, showcasing their talents and setting the stage for what fans hope will be an exciting 2025 season.
