Was Cubs' offense or bullpen more disappointing in the 2-0 loss to Pirates? (Hour 2)
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Was Cubs' offense or bullpen more disappointing in the 2-0 loss to Pirates? (Hour 2)” inside PodZeus.
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.
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.
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.
The White Sox are in crisis mode, batting .196 and dead last in OPS (580), with no signs of offensive revival.
Rory McIlroy’s Masters dinner menu choice was defended as inclusive and crowd-pleasing, not disrespectful to Irish cuisine.
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
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Hosts
Guests
Cubs
other
Shota Imanaga
person
Pirates
other
White Sox
other
Rory McIlroy
person
Colin Ray
person
Circa Resort and Casino
place
Craig Council
person
Stadium Swim
place
Seiya Suzuki
person
Ian Happ discusses his hot start, Nico Hoerner's contract extension
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Edward Cabrera shines in his Cubs debut
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Examining the Bears’ receiver void
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
5 On It: How confident are you in what Edward Cabrera can bring to the Cubs?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
Will White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami hit 40 home runs this season?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 12m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Was Cubs' offense or bullpen more disappointing in the 2-0 loss to Pirates? (Hour 2)” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime
