Opening Day is finally here, and for the second consecutive season, the Pittsburgh Pirates will kick off their 162-game journey in Miami against the Marlins on March 27, 2025. This matchup is particularly exciting as it marks the first-ever Opening Day start for Paul Skenes, the National League Rookie of the Year, who is already being hailed as baseball’s next pitching superstar.
Last season, Skenes had a dazzling rookie campaign that landed him in the top three for the National League Cy Young Award. The 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick finished with an impressive record of 11-3, a 1.96 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and a remarkable 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings, while holding opponents to a mere .198 batting average. As he steps onto the mound at loanDepot Park, fans are eager to see if he can continue his dominance against a Marlins lineup that has struggled offensively.
Meanwhile, the Marlins will be relying on their ace, Sandy Alcantara, who is making his return to the mound after more than a year sidelined due to Tommy John surgery. The recent Cy Young Award winner, who is now 29 years old, has had a stellar career, notching consecutive 200-strikeout seasons in 2021 and 2022. Alcantara’s spring training performance has been encouraging, as he did not allow a single earned run across 12 1/3 innings, posting a 0.97 WHIP. However, the Marlins will be cautious with his workload as they ease him back into action.
The Pirates' lineup features some quality hitters, including Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and the veteran Andrew McCutchen. However, the matchup against Alcantara poses a challenge, especially considering that Reynolds and McCutchen have a combined batting average of just .053 against him, with seven strikeouts in 19 at-bats. Cruz, who has never faced Alcantara, will also be looking to make an impact.
Leading off for the Pirates will be Tommy Pham, despite a lackluster spring where he managed only eight hits in 46 at-bats. The Pirates are also eager to see how Endy Rodriguez performs at first base. Rodriguez missed the entire 2024 season due to an elbow injury but showed promise during spring training, batting .290 with one home run and six RBIs in 40 plate appearances.
Alcantara has had success against the Pirates in the past, boasting an impressive 2.91 ERA in six games, five of which were starts, while striking out 33 batters and walking 13. As both pitchers take the mound for their season debuts, fans can expect a tightly contested game, particularly in the early innings.
Considering both teams’ offensive challenges and the quality of the starting pitchers, the betting pick is for the first five innings to go under 3.5 runs at -135 odds on FanDuel. This strategy reflects confidence in Skenes and Alcantara to deliver strong performances without much run support in the early going.
As the Pirates and Marlins prepare to face off, the anticipation is palpable. Will Skenes continue to impress in his sophomore year, or will Alcantara remind everyone why he’s a former Cy Young winner? The stage is set for an intriguing Opening Day showdown in Miami.
With the season just beginning, it’s a fresh start for both teams. The Pirates will look to build on their momentum from the previous season, while the Marlins hope to capitalize on Alcantara’s return to form. As the game unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how these two talented pitchers fare against each other.
In the end, the matchup promises to be an exciting opener, with both teams eager to make a statement. The Pirates, with their mix of veteran presence and young talent, will aim to secure an early win against the Marlins, who are looking to bounce back from last season’s struggles.
As we gear up for the first pitch, it’s clear that this game is more than just a season opener; it’s a chance for both teams to set the tone for what lies ahead in the 2025 MLB season. Will the Pirates be able to claim victory, or will the Marlins take advantage of their home field? The answer awaits as the players take the field.
