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- [00:02]
A
This is what everyone's talking about.
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B
Everything's on the table.
- [00:07]
A
This is what champions come to take. This is what everyone came to see. No do overs, no second chances, no more Mr. Nice Guy. This is winner take all. And it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals. Don't miss it.
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C
June 3rd on ABC and the ESPN app.
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A
Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's World Redhead Day. Tony, you used to be a redhead.
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B
Tony Kornheiser. You're right. But now it's turned flesh colored.
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A
I have pictorial evidence, video evidence. I could go to the phone, get back to 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, when you still had the remnants of a red Afro.
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B
Yeah, and I also, when I first grew the beard, it grew in red. It grew in red. But not anymore. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the spurs and Thunder are knotted up. Torch is getting it done and Taylor Twelman joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the New York Knicks sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the playoffs with a resounding 130 to 93 victory in Cleveland yesterday. The Knicks have now won 11 playoff games in a row by a total of 262 points. And that is an NBA playoff record. Wilbourne, what does this sweep say about the Knicks and where does it leave the Cavs?
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A
Tony? It says that the Knicks, they're on a roll. I mean, they are. And now I look at the teams. I look at the opponents then and now, and I look at Atlanta, a total playoff near fight. I look at Philly, who didn't even know whether their best player was going to be on the court night after night. And I look at Cleveland, which I'm always saying about, why aren't you people better? And I look at it and I'm not convinced about the opponents. It's not the 27 Yankees, but the Knicks have been great. They discovered something. Mike Brown replacing Tibbs, your Knick fan people, your brother. And they wanted him fired three games into the opening series of these playoffs.
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B
That's right.
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A
And Mike Brown stayed the course. He didn't yell and scream at anybody. He didn't talk about analytics. And, you know, he did make some adjustments. Karl Anthony Towns, a lot of the offense runs through him, which gets Jalen Brunson off the ball. It's been like magic. It's been wondrous, what they've done. Offensively, the ball moves. Not gonna say it as moves as well as your favorite team, the 1970, but it puts you in that mindset. They play beautiful basketball, this team.
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B
Let me just get to the Mike Brown Thibodeau thing just for a second. What you are not hearing right now are three things. One is that the defense isn't any good. You're not hearing that.
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No.
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B
2 is that the starters are playing too many minutes. You're not hearing that. And three is you're not hearing about disappointment because there is no disappointment now. They may lose in the finals, but they may win in the Finals too. They're playing better than anybody else in basketball right now. They are that good. I would like to say that I had this series right ultimately, not originally because originally I liked Cleveland. And I like Cleveland because I like their big men. And I like Cleveland because I like their guards. I like Donovan Mitchell and I like James Harden. But in the first game collapsed. Then I got off that and began to use the word sweep on this show. James Harden didn't seem enthusiastic the last couple of games. James Harden again had a terrible playoff. James Harden is a Hall of Fame player and not in the playoffs. In the most recent game he was 2 for 8. He has six turnovers, right? Well, he had more turnovers than he had assist again and he shot. Let me get this straight. 18% from 3. And I, I, I find it hard to explain how this happens. Although it is possible that I could be told that Cleveland actually won this game analytically. And if Kenny Atkinson were to say that I would ask someone to return him to planet Earth. The one thing I thought about was this. There was the question because the Knicks were off for a long time. The rest a rust question. A 40 sweep indicates they're not very rustic. And Landry Shamut shooting 92% 5 for
- [04:14]
A
the series last night from I think. Yeah, listen, they. Aren't you excited?
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B
Yeah.
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As somebody who's followed the Knicks. Yeah. The entirety of your life. Yep.
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B
Yep. Here's what I just don't want to hear. I don't want anybody to talk about isolating a certain player from this team and saying he's the best Knick of all time. No, stop. Willis Reed is the best Knick of all time. Willis Reed. Let's stay with the NBA playoffs. Let's move to Oklahoma City. We where tonight the defending champion Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs. This series is tied two to two. Both teams have split games at home and on the road. Most recently, the spurs held Oklahoma City to 82 points in Game 4. Wilbon. How should the defending champions feel?
- [04:53]
A
Heading into Game 5 like champions, you know, they've had shoulders to the mat with a 12 count by the referee each time and got up and they did that because the mvp, the two time mvp, I know he has not had a glorious playoff run.
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B
No, he's not.
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A
But when they had to have him, he responded. He was there. I expect that tonight. I expect Shai Gilgis Alexander to have a north of 30 point game. He may get close to 10 assists. He's going to defend because he's not a one way player like some others that people like to glorify. So I expect that from Shay Gilders Alexander. I'm not saying Loki is definitely going to win this game, although I think I would give them a 5.1% chance to, you know, probably 5.1 on the 10 scale.
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B
But you think they're going to win?
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A
I think they're going to win. But this is an epic series and San Antonio is up to the challenge. They got Dylan Harper back and now with a game under his gut, after, you know, missing a bit, he looks ready to go. This series is epic, Tone. It is.
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B
I want to, I want to concentrate on the 82 points for a second. That's the lowest amount of points that Oklahoma City has scored in any game, playoff or regular season since April of 2022. That's four plus years. 82 points is a joke. Okay? You're not, you gotta score more than 82. The bench on that team the game before scored 76 points. The whole team in this one got 82 points. The Knicks could have a good half and they could get 82 points. Now you talk about Shay Gilgeous Alexander, he's the MVP and you say he's been there when they needed him. Well, if you look at the numbers in this series, he's down 6.3 points a game. He's down 16.1% from the field, 11.9% from three and he's overall minus in the series. So they need him. You know where I am on the series. You know that I thought and think that San Antonio is going to win this series. I'm not going to demean Oklahoma City anyway. They're champions. They're a very worthy team. If Oklahoma City were to lose this, this would be an upset and we both agree with that. And I do think they're going to win this game. But I want to say this. They're not playing a team that's afraid of them.
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A
No, they're not.
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Victor Wembanyama has publicly Talked about winning six games. So he's talking about a championship here. That's what he's talking about.
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A
None of them are afraid. They follow his lead. But we've seen Oklahoma City closed the door. They're really good. Right. And so tonight again, people in Cleveland particularly stop. Got upset, apparently when I said this was the junior varsity series. This series is the undercard. That series, New York, Cleveland compared to Oklahoma City, San Antonio, it is just that it was the jv. The Knicks may beat the winner because they are having an Ali Frazier that somebody's going to have to go to the hospital when this thing is over. But wow, to watch it tonight. Must, must, must see game. And now to the Stanley cup playoffs. In the east, the Hurricanes have bounced back from their game one loss to beat the Canadiens twice in overtime. And in the west, the Golden Knights can pull off an improbable sweep of the Avalanche tonight. Tone, which series in this case is the headliner to you?
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B
The headliner to me is Vegas right now. What Vegas is doing. I think most people look at the NHL all season long and thought the teams in the west were the best teams. And Colorado was decisively the best team. Colorado won the President's Trophy. Right. They were clear of Carolina, which was the next best team, by eight points. Their goal differential was plus 99, the next best team. They were clear by 40 goals over Tampa Bay at that point. So they appeared to be a juggernaut. As I check my notes, they went through the first two rounds of the playoffs eight to one. Right. And now what are they facing now you look at, say, how is this possible now? They've had injuries. Cale McCarr missed two games. McKinnon is hurt. Yeah, I understand these are two of the 10 best players in all of hockey, but as I look at this, they blew Colorado, blew a 30 lead in the last game. They blew a 10 lead in the second game. My only rational definition here is the torts effect. John Tortorella was 14 and five brought in when, when with eight games to go. And I believe that Vegas had lost six of seven since he got there. They're 18, four and one and now they look like they're in a class by themselves.
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A
They do, but. But this Montreal series tone has a fascination all its own. First of all, you lose back to back games in overtime like that. And you know, it was great listening to the great one, Wayne Gretzky, last night talk about what it was like to lose overtime games. In 1993. His Kings team beat Montreal in Montreal and then lost in overtime. Lost in overtime. Lost in overtime. And Gretzky said it was just demoralizing. You became dispirited. You just got beaten down. You got ground down. And they lost that series. And Montreal, which even Montreal has a goal disallowed relatively late last night. And it's the right call on the offsides. They had to go to video review, but Montreal had that goal disallowed. They lose that game and now you wonder about their spirit in this series.
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B
You know how many shots on goal Montreal's had?
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They're like none.
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25. In two games. Not just two games. Two overtime games. 20, 25 total.
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And they still should have won last
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night, but Carolina is smothering them. Let's take a break. Coming up, United States Soccer names its World cup squad. We will ask Taylor Twellman to break down its strengths and weaknesses.
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We'll also ask him what Lionel Messi's injury could mean for his World cup prospects.
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Between us, we know nothing about soccer. Well, you know, a little.
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Just lately.
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Don't you like Abaco or something like that?
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A
Abaco?
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No. Who do you like?
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I'm going to let you guess. A couple of teams.
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Manchester City.
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A
No, no, Manchester.
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I can't.
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It's too long to get to Manchester. I got to stop in London. There's six Premier League teams I believe in London.
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B
And so you just stop there, Stop in London.
- [11:12]
A
There's enough. It's enough to see right there. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner and protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop
- [11:46]
C
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- [12:31]
B
The US Men officially announced their World cup roster today. Here to break it down is one of our favorite guests, our friend, the lead analyst for the MLS on Apple TV, Mr. Taylor Twillman. Let us start with this, the overall view. How, how do you see this roster in terms of strengths and weaknesses?
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D
Tony, let's start with the strengths. The fact that the golden generation of player that I've deemed them for many, many years to this point will now be playing in their second World Cup. For record's sake, this is the most players the United States men have had since 1994 playing in a World Cup. Four years later returning to play in their second World Cup. If I'm not mistaken, that's 13 players. So when you talk about Tyler Adams, Weston McKinney, Christian Pulisic, that's a strength. The strength also can be in the fact that they named 10 defenders. We'll get into that in a moment, but I look at that also as a weakness, and here's why. If you're naming 10 defenders, seven of those 10 can ultimately play center back in a three back system, which is what Pochettino more than likely is going to do. Now you're making a statement to the public, you're making a statement to your players that we're going to be a little safe. I think the biggest weakness of this roster is in the midfield. If Tyler Adams gets yellow card accumulation or gets injured, they do not have a like for like replacement in this. And you, you handcuff yourself with naming a roster that's thin in the midfield. That, in my opinion, is the biggest weakness.
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A
All right? That leads to a natural follow up. Dan Taylor. If there's one player omission that caught you maybe a little by surprise, it
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D
would be whom Michael would be. Diego Luna. In full transparency, since November of last year, I have said he's on the outside looking in. However, for the general public, Diego Luna has been the marketing machine for U.S. soccer. He's been in every commercial, he's been in every advertisement. The fact that they had the kit, the jersey reveal, he was in that. So for the last 16 months, when you talked about the United States men's national team, you talked about Pulisic, Adams, McKinney, and then you talked about Diego Luna. So I think the general public will be surprised that the real Salt Lake midfielder is not in this roster. In my opinion, Though he was always on the bubble because he really doesn't have a position, a defined position within the system, but it's the first name that came to mind.
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A
Okay, given all of this that you told us so far, including this defensive first philosophy that seems to be paramount. What is your feeling about the state of the roster at whole?
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D
US three have had many good conversations over the past four years about the state of US Soccer. With the appointment of Greg Burholter again and then him being fired and then Pochettino coming in. There's one word I would use, apprehensive. Because of the four years. The four years hasn't been defined. The four years hasn't been convincing to the general public and even those like myself that follow it for our daily lives every single minute. I'm not completely convinced that this group understands that they need to have their signature moment, that they are having home field advantage and in their backyard. I'm apprehensive. However, you two know this better than anyone. The last four years means absolutely nothing if they win their group and go all the way to the quarterfinal. None of us are going to be talking about the Rayner vs Burhalter, the fact that they fell flat in Copa America, all of that. We will talk about none of that if they get to the quarterfinal. But if they fail to get out of their group, that is going to be talked about for years to come. Because you could argue that U.S. soccer hasn't properly prepared for this World cup and that's why there's extra pressure on them.
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B
We will get you out of here on this and we will go wider. We will begin with Lionel Messi and you have been within three feet of Lionel Messi every single day for the last two years. He's your boy. We understand that he left Sunday's game with what's being called muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. He's the most famous soccer player in the world and probably, well, maybe still the best. What do you think this means for World cup, this injury?
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D
Tony? Ten minutes after that game ended, I was in Miami when they beat Philadelphia 6 4. I immediately put it out in the social media avenues. I wasn't worried whatsoever before the 2022 World Cup. 18 days before he had an ankle injury. We all know how that turned out. I'm not worried about Lionel Messi and with Argentina in the biggest World cup of having 48 teams, they can manage the 38 year old's minutes, he will be completely fit, he'll be completely committed and it's crazy to think that the reigning MLS MVP is now the reigning World cup champion, kicking off in less than three weeks. This is a big moment for Messi and his legacy.
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We are so happy to have you in the first of your 10,000 appearances with us. We're so happy.
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A
Thanks, Taylor.
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B
Thank you, Taylor.
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D
Appreciate it, Michael. Thanks for the jacket, buddy.
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B
Let's take one last break. Still to come, Wilbon's Cubs have lost nine straight. What's up with that?
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You're hurting me. The Astros throw baseball's first still hitter in almost two years. But should it even count?
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We love Taylor.
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A
He's great. Great talking to you about this. Yes, he can break this down.
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B
I know nothing about soccer and it
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makes irresistible feel like I know something makes it irresistible.
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B
In fact, I know.
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A
Aren't you ready to watch it now?
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B
Is it on now?
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A
No. Aren't you ready?
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B
Isn't it two months?
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A
Three weeks?
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B
Three weeks. The NFL schedule dropped and it is time to settle up people. There's road trips to plan, hotels to book, tickets to split tailgates to cover, hours to settle, all the things for the season. But now when you send $10 or more to a friend with PayPal, by May 28, you could win two tickets to every home game of your favorite team. Yep, the whole season. Visit paypal.com P2P sweeps. No purchase necessary. See website for details, including how to enter by mail. Brought to you by PayPal official peer to peer payment.
- [18:45]
D
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- [19:31]
B
Happy time people. Happy 27th birthday. Micah Parsons, the three time first team all pro linebacker and former Rookie of the year, held out from the Cowboys last season and was traded from Dallas to the Packers. Parsons then signed a four year $188 million contract with Green Bay, making him the highest paid non quarterback in the NFL. Parsons had 19 solo tackles and 12 and a half sacks for the packers before tearing his ACL in a week 15 game against Denver. Parsons is expected to miss the first three or four games of the upcoming season. How he comes back may hold the key to who who wins the NFL Central Division, which figures to be a dog fight among Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago. Because Parsons is that good.
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A
He's a menace. And I'm glad you called it the NFC Central, not the North. No, no, none of this north stuff. Parsons is that good, but I still I want to see him so happy, healing. Hope he gets better quickly.
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B
Happy anniversary, Robert Parish on this day 39 years ago, the Celtics center punched Detroit center Bill Laimbeer in the face. Boom boom. With 23 seconds to go in the first half and amazingly, was not tossed from the game.
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A
No flag.
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That game became a nail biter with the Celtics trailing the Pistons by one point with just five seconds remaining. Larry Bird stole the inbounds pass from Isiah Thomas and found a cutting Dennis Johnson for the winning basket as The Celtics won 108, 107 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. Johnny most famous call was there's a steel by Bird underneath the DJ and he lays it in.
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A
That's good.
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B
The Celtics won that series but lost to the Lakers in the finals. The next three seasons, the bad boys would make the finals when Lame Beard
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got punched to the ground by Parrish. One of the favorite moments of my life because I find Lame Beard loathsome. So did apparently a lot of officials because Jess Kersey, a great referee, looked at him and said, get up, Bill, get up. No flagrant, no reveal.
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B
He ask you a question?
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A
None of that.
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B
Would you want Laimbeer on your team?
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A
Of course.
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B
Yes, of course is the correct answer.
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A
Found him loathsome.
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B
On the happy trails to yesterday's game for the Rangers, Texas got no hit by Houston as Astros pitchers Tatsuya Imai threw six hitless innings. Steven Okert added three outs in the seventh, and then rookie Alim Bear SL Santa through two hitless innings in his major league debut to seal the no. No. Santa is the first pitcher to take part in a no hitter in his debut since Bumpus Jones went the distance all by himself in 1892. I was in high school, of course. Bumpus, whose baseball card makes him look like a grumpus, then gave up 42 hits over the next 33 innings and was out of baseball by the age of 23. And other impressive pitching news brewers ace The Miz through 57 pitches, clocked at 100 miles an hour or greater in Monday's 5 to 1 win over the Cardinals.
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A
Told you the Miz may match Skeens. He may be his equal. Okay. And it's not a no hitter if there are more than one pitcher in.
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That's right. It's can't get. It's something, but it's not quite a no hitter. We would also like to acknowledge the passing of former Miami Dolphins off defensive lineman Rather Manny Fernandez, who was 79. Fernandez was one of the stalwarts on the Miami Dolphins no name defense. Along with others like Nick Bonac, Vern Den Herder and Jake Scott. They were the backbone of Miami's undefeated season in 1972 and two Super Bowls. That defense was a precursor to other great defenses like the Steel Curtain and of course your 85 bears.
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A
So sadly there's more sadness. Bob Horner, a terrific third baseman. As you know for the late 70s and the 80s Braves has died at the age of 68.
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B
No errors today. We go to the big finish. Cubs, Mike. They've lost nine straight. Break it down.
- [23:17]
A
I told you this. I told you. I feared it was going to be 15 to 20. There are no pictures. They got to get back. And how soon they can get back? It's almost June. We need them. Felix Rosenfest won the Indy 500. Your analysis please.
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B
I missed the race.
- [23:31]
A
Me too.
- [23:31]
B
I forgot it. It's something I look forward to every single year. And I missed it.
- [23:36]
A
Same here.
- [23:37]
B
Missed it. Princeton won the men's lacrosse title. Northwestern won the women's crown. Your thoughts?
- [23:42]
A
We handed North Carolina there only two defeats of the year. Year by one in Chapel Hill. They had the vengeance factor going. Too bad. Kelly, Amani Hiller and the Wildcats win a ninth championship. Try that on for size. Congratulations. Six seed Danil Medvedev and seven seeded Taylor Fritz out of the French Open in the first round. Is that a big deal?
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B
I wore this purple for you. Just so you know. In honor of Northwest. Is it a big deal? It's a big deal if Sinner goes out cuz he's the best player in a French Open. Because Alcarazzo alone. Last one. Colton Cower of the Orioles has two walk off homers in two days. There's another one tonight.
- [24:17]
A
No, it's the Johnny Vandermeer rule. You can't get the three.
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B
No, we're out of time. We'll try to do better the next time. I'm Tony Cornheim.
- [24:24]
A
I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knucklehead.
- [24:27]
C
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