In a somewhat surprising result, the Miami Marlins outslugged the Chicago Cubs 8-7 in the opener of their series in dramatic walk-off fashion, but can the Bottom Feeders make it two in a row?
My Cubs vs. Marlins predictions look at the home team's chances to pull off the upset, and why I like there to be more scoring tonight.
Check out my MLB picks for this National League clash with first pitch set to go at loanDepot park at 6:40 p.m. ET, on Tuesday, May 20.
Cubs vs Marlins prediction
My Cubs vs Marlins best bet: Over 8.5 (-112 at DraftKings)
Yes, the Miami Marlins struck first in this series against the Chicago Cubs, thanks to a walk-off triple from Jesus Sanchez.
Sanchez finished with three hits, including his second home run of the season, and four RBI, while Agustin Ramirez also went deep for the Fish in the win.
This will be a pitching rematch from last week’s finale at Wrigley Field when Jameson Taillon faced off against Ryan Weathers. The Marlins also won that game by a score of 3-1, with Miami taking Taillon deep three times.
The Cubs’ RHP has been average at best over nine starts this season. The 33-year-old enters this matchup ranked in the 26th percentile in expected ERA and the 27th percentile in expected batting average.
In that most recent start against the Marlins, Taillon pitched six innings and struck out seven while giving up four hits. The problem was three of those hits were solo bombs.
Countering Taillon is Weathers. The 25-year-old righty is making just his second start of the season after missing the first two months with an elbow injury.
Weathers held the Cubs to one run on two hits with five strikeouts in that last meeting, so the Marlins have a fighting chance here as underdogs, but I’m more interested in the total.
Last season, Weathers pitched to a 4.20 xERA, and this has been one of the most productive lineups in the big leagues. Despite the power outage last time vs. Weathers, this team has crushed lefties, ranking second in OPS and wRC+.
With the Marlins' lineup showing some pop, I expect there to be more scoring tonight.
Cubs vs Marlins same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 8.5
Kyle Tucker Over 1.5 total bases
Kyle Stowers Over 0.5 RBI
Kyle Tucker has been in a bit of a slump, but that just means oddsmakers are giving us a good number on some of his props.
Tucker has an .882 OPS this season, and don’t let the lefty-lefty matchup fool you, he’s always had good reverse splits. This year is no different as Tucker is hitting .291 with a .971 vs. southpaws.
Kyle Stowers took Taillon deep twice when they last met, so let’s take him to drive in another run tonight. Stowers has 30 RBI and is on a seven-game hitting streak, batting .385 with a 1.333 OPS.
Cubs vs Marlins odds
Cubs vs Marlins live odds
Cubs vs Marlins opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -150 | Miami +125
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+110) | Miami +1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Cubs vs Marlins trend
The Marlins have hit the game total Over in 26 of their last 42 games for +8.15 Units and a 18% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Marlins.
How to watch Cubs vs Marlins and game info
| Location | loanDepot park, Miami, FL |
| Date | Tuesday, 5-20-2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, FDSNFL |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Jameson Taillon (2-3 4.53, ERA) |
| Marlins starting pitcher | Ryan Weathers (1-0, 1.80 ERA) |
Cubs vs Marlins latest injuries
Cubs vs Marlins weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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