Was Cubs' offense or bullpen more disappointing in the 2-0 loss to Pirates? (Hour 2)

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show30mApril 11, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this live episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show from Circa Resort in Las Vegas, the hosts dissect the Cubs' 2-0 loss to the Pirates, debating whether the offense or bullpen was more disappointing. While the bullpen’s collapse in the seventh inning—highlighted by Caleb Thielbar giving up a two-run homer—was a key moment, the hosts collectively agree that the offense's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was the bigger issue. They emphasize the Cubs' 0-for-8 performance with runners in scoring position and 11 men left on base, calling it a critical failure. The discussion shifts to Shota Imanaga’s six no-hit innings, with the hosts ranking his debut and a 12-0 shutout against the Pirates as his best performances, not this outing. The conversation then turns to the White Sox’s struggling offense, now batting .196 and with a 580 OPS, prompting concerns about a potential organizational shakeup. The hosts also analyze Rory McIlroy’s controversial comment about Irish food, defending his choice of a globally appealing menu at the Masters dinner. Finally, they reflect on the vibrant Fremont Street experience, particularly the fire-breathing mantis, which delivered a thrilling show despite a disappointing musical selection. The episode closes with pregame coverage ahead of the Cubs’ second game against the Pirates.

Key Takeaways
1

The Cubs' offense was more disappointing than the bullpen in the 2-0 loss, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 men on base.

2

Shota Imanaga’s six no-hit innings were strong, but not his best game—his debut and a 12-0 shutout against the Pirates rank higher.

3

The White Sox are in crisis mode, batting .196 and dead last in OPS (580), with no signs of offensive revival.

4

Rory McIlroy’s Masters dinner menu choice was defended as inclusive and crowd-pleasing, not disrespectful to Irish cuisine.

5

The Fremont Street fire-breathing mantis delivered a powerful live show, though the musical selection (Barbie song) was a letdown.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Cubs' 2-0 Loss to Pirates: Offense vs. Bullpen Debate

The Cubs were 0 for 8 with runners in score position with 11 men left on base. That's how bad things were for the Cubs. They couldn't make anything pay off. Point blank. On offense.

Highlight
3:00
3 min

Shota Imanaga’s Best Games: A Historical Perspective

He went seven innings. So it was seven shutout innings against the Pirates. Guess what? The Pirates scored a run in that game? No. The Cubs scored a run in that game. Interesting. It was a 1-0 Cubs win.

6:00
4 min

White Sox Offense in Crisis: A Wake-Up Call

The White Sox are now batting 196 as a team. Only the Mariners have a lower batting average more poorly than that. The White Sox they're now dead last in the major leagues with a 580 team OPS. Yikes.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Rory McIlroy’s Masters Dinner Controversy

He wanted everyone else to enjoy the meal. I think he could have stomached a traditional Irish straight-up food menu. Stomachs? Yeah, no, because like you said, he grew up on it. He knows what it is.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

Fremont Street Experience: The Fire-Breathing Mantis

The Mantis delivered, and I genuinely enjoyed it. You make it sound like you're like, you built this up! You did! So if it wasn't good, then Brody was going to be disappointed? Yes.

High-Impact Quotes
The Cubs were 0 for 8 with runners in score position with 11 men left on base. That's how bad things were for the Cubs. They couldn't make anything pay off. Point blank. On offense.
Layla Rahimi2:31
Viral: 85.0
The White Sox are now batting 196 as a team. Only the Mariners have a lower batting average more poorly than that. The White Sox they're now dead last in the major leagues with a 580 team OPS. Yikes.
Mark Grody9:37
Viral: 80.0
You have to have three, four straight good at-bats to score runs because you're going to get some home runs knocked down. So that's part of it. That's really where we've probably failed.
Craig Council27:05
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Hosts

Layla RahimiMarshall HarrisMark Grody

Guests

Craig CouncilColin RayRory McIlroyAdrian Cummins
Topics Discussed
White Sox Offense Crisis92%Cubs Offense Performance90%Shota Imanaga's Career Highlights85%Colin Ray's Role in Cubs Rotation80%Rory McIlroy Masters Dinner Controversy78%Team Process vs. Results75%Bullpen Reliability65%Fremont Street Experience60%
People & Brands

Cubs

other

28xNeutral

Shota Imanaga

person

18xPositive

Pirates

other

15xNeutral

White Sox

other

14xNegative

Rory McIlroy

person

12xNeutral

Colin Ray

person

10xPositive

Circa Resort and Casino

place

10xPositive

Craig Council

person

8xPositive

Stadium Swim

place

8xPositive

Seiya Suzuki

person

7xNeutral

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