Postgame Show: SpliffNotes and The Pitch Clock

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Postgame Show – SpliffNotes and The Pitch Clock

Date: September 11, 2025

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Overview

Broadcast live from the Elser Hotel in downtown Miami, this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz delivers its signature blend of sports banter, pop culture commentary, and, as always, an infusion of humor. The core of this Postgame Show centers around lively recaps of recent sports action, interactive listener polls, and an extended segment featuring the fan-favorite "Pitch Clock" – blending baseball trivia with deep-dive analysis of MLB storylines and personalities.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thursday Thunder: Juju’s Bets (01:09–02:34)

• Juju runs through his Thursday Night Football betting picks, carrying a playful “two for three” mantra as his personal record.
  • Joshua Jacobs as Anytime Touchdown Scorer.
  • Noah Brown over 22.5 yards.
  • Jacore Crosby Merit for over 10 rushes.
• The team jokes about Juju’s betting “streak” and his unique blend of stats and gut feeling.

  "Put that on my tombstone, man. Two out of three ain’t bad." – Juju (01:12)

2. WNBA Roundup and Rookie Reflections (02:39–04:22)

• The last day of the WNBA regular season gets its due, with shoutouts to the Seattle Storm, Valkyrie, Atlanta Dream, and Fever.
• Focus on standout rookie Paige Bueckers and her season for the Dallas Wings.

  "She broke a lot of barriers… She carries herself in the right way… All the players from other teams seem to love her." – Juju (03:24)

• Discussion shifts to Angel Reese and the likelihood of her returning to Chicago next season.

  "I predict she ain't going nowhere… Chicago really, really loves her." – Juju (04:05)

3. Listener Polls & NFL Banter (05:26–07:43)

• Recap of quirky listener polls, including:
  • When Dolphins fans will start booing: Majority say "under 1.5 drives".
  • Who’s more "for real"—Raiders or Chargers? (88% say Chargers)
  • A humorous old poll: "Is cultural appropriation delicious?"
  • Did people prefer when the pitch clock was "the sun"? (52% say yes)
• Playful speculation about the possibility (or not) of four playoff teams existing in an NFL division.

  "What in that division is four playoff teams? Dude, that would be impossible. But that’s gonna be possible, not impossible. Could it be possible?" – Dan Le Batard (06:18)

4. Travel & Tailgating Culture (06:42–07:33)

• Shoutouts for DLS Hoops, FIU in the booth, and co-hosts’ other projects.
• Plans for a live remote broadcast from Knoxville, Tennessee, at Calhoun's on the river for an SEC matchup, featuring “boat tailgating”.

5. Pitch Clock Segment: Baseball Deep Dive (08:25–22:26)

a. 2025 MLB Wild Card Races & Standout Storylines (11:32–15:52)

• Jeremy Tache welcomes recurring MLB expert Adnan Virk.
• National League (NL) Wild Card Race:
  • San Francisco Giants surge (12–3 run), led by Logan Webb’s pitching and Elliot Ramos’ breakout.

  "Webb is that guy. Perennially underrated as one of the best pitchers in baseball." – Adnan Virk (13:30)

• American League (AL) Wild Card Race:
  • Texas Rangers bounce back despite major injuries (Nathan Eovaldi, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien).

  "Boy, that veteran managerial magic [Bruce Bochy], he’s got these guys believing right now… I can't believe they're still in the race." – Adnan Virk (15:42)

b. Trivia Game: Home Runs As a Met & As a Red Sock (09:58–10:56 and 22:36–26:05)

• Engaging darts-style trivia with Dan, Chris Cody, and Jeremy Tache.
• Questions focus first on career home run totals for Mets, then Red Sox players.
• Comedy ensues with guesses gone wrong (Mike Piazza’s 220 HRs for the Mets, Nomar’s surprising power numbers for Boston).

  "The story of this episode of the Pitch Clock is that I’m finally a winner. Chris, no longer a cheater. DM me about this, guys. I’m excited. I won." – Dan Le Batard (26:05)

c. MLB Young Player Spotlights & Breakout Candidates (18:30–19:29)

• Nolan McClain and Jonah Tong, both recent Mets call-ups, cited as postseason X-factors.

  "This guy’s been unbelievable so far as a New York Met… He has everything you want: the tools, the poise, the command." – Adnan Virk (19:03)

d. Golden Era Star of the Week (20:30–21:40)

• Fans vote among “The Big Dumper” Cal Raleigh, Vinnie “Pasquatch” Pascantino, and Bo Bichette.
• Adnan Virk picks Bo Bichette for late-season heroics and potential batting title.

  "Bo doesn’t get enough love, but that guy’s an absolute stud." – Adnan Virk (21:40)

• Noted: Bichette could be a prime free agent target for franchises like the Dodgers or Braves.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Paige Bueckers’ rookie season:

  "There was no necessarily, quote, unquote, Caitlin Clark treatment for her… I think she did a great job in the rookie campaign and she gonna continue it." – Juju (03:24)

• On Adnan’s media appearances:

  "I’m glad I’m still leading the clubhouse as far as overall appearances. It’s like games played. I gotta be that guy for you." – Adnan Virk (11:32)

• Dan Le Batard, on the Giants’ resurgence:

  "Anytime you could tell me there’s a team that bangs, I’m very excited about it." (13:41)

• Adnan on Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers:

  "Boy, that veteran managerial magic, he’s got these guys believing right now… I can't believe they're still in the race." (15:42)

• On the trivia game:

  "The story of this episode of the Pitch Clock is that I’m finally a winner. Chris, no longer a cheater… I won." – Dan Le Batard (26:05)

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• Thursday Thunder Bets with Juju: 01:09–02:34
• WNBA Recap & Paige Bueckers Discussion: 02:39–04:22
• Listener Polls & NFL Chatter: 05:26–07:43
• Pitch Clock Trivia/Analysis – Mets & Red Sox HR Leaders: 08:25–10:56 (Mets), 22:36–26:05 (Red Sox)
• Adnan Virk MLB Deep Dive:
  • NL Wild Card/Giants: 11:32–13:41
  • AL Wild Card/Rangers: 14:51–15:52
  • Young Players/Postseason X-Factors: 18:30–19:29
  • Golden Era Star of the Week: 20:30–21:40

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains its signature blend of jocular, fast-paced banter and deep dives, balancing statistical analysis with playful ribbing between hosts. Dan Le Batard and Stugotz foster a relaxed, personality-driven atmosphere where expert insight and fan engagement go hand in hand.

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For New Listeners

• Expect spirited debates, inside jokes, and a variety of sports covered.
• The “Pitch Clock” segment is a highlight for baseball fans.
• Listener polling and interaction are baked into the show’s DNA.
• Even if you’re not a sports die-hard, the humor and personality make for an entertaining listen.

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This episode is an excellent example of Dan Le Batard’s unique postgame style: serious sports insight, good-natured mockery, and a community feeling for fans old and new.

Transcript

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[State Farm Sponsor]

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[Chris Cody]

That's right. It's Thursday Thunder, and It's presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The crown is yours, Juju.

[Dan Le Batard]

What up?

[Juju]

What up, y'? All? Another two for three last week, man, two for three. Put that on my tombstone, man. Two out of three ain't bad. But this week we writing this, baby. Tonight I'm going with Thursday Night Football, and I'm starting with my dog, Joshua Jacobs. Anytime, touchdown scorer, my boy. Lock him in.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

He's got a streak, right? What would this be? How many games straight?

[Juju]

Nine. Yeah, nine or either Umpteen. I forgot what the stat said. I think it's umpteen, but not next leg. I'm going with Noah Brown over 22.5 yards tonight. That packers defense looking good. And Jaden Daniels, he gonna have to. He gonna have to come up with some things to. And we all know where he usually comes up whenever he has little to no options. Oops. There's Noah Brown downfield. Touchdown. I'm going with Noah Brown. And I got to clear my throat. $2. Last leg. Oh, still there. Last leg. I'm going with my dog, Jacore Crosby. Merit for over 10 rushes tonight. Man, they gonna need them. They gonna be in the trenches all night. I'm not sure how many yards he gonna get, but he gonna rock tonight. Lock it in Thursday Thunder. I see y'.

[Chris Cody]

All.

[Dan Le Batard]

My boy, Bill.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Juju. Tonight's the last night of the WNBA regular season. Yeah.

[Juju]

Yes, sir. Man, what a laugh. What a crazy last couple of weeks, man. It's been for that last couple playoff spots, man. The Seattle Storm, they locked in the last spot in epic, dramatic fashion the other night against the Valkyrie, who are already locked into the playoffs. They find out they're seating tonight. You feel me? On the last Game. It's going to be interesting because the Atlanta dream could face them or the fever. I'm rooting for fever because the Valkyrie will punch you in the eyeball. But yeah, man, great seasons this year.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Juju, how do we sum up Paige Becker's rookie season? The Dallas Wings are probably going to finish last in the entire league, right?

[Juju]

That's. It's rare all time great, man. I think she. She broke a lot of barriers. She always speaking up for the right people. She's. She carries herself in the right way. She didn't get fined by the team. None of the shenanigans that people get into in their rookie season. All the other players from other teams seem to love her. There was no necessarily, quote, unquote, Caitlin Clark treatment for her this year. I think she did a great job in the rookie campaign and she gonna continue it to the unrival league, who just added two new teams getting money over there, not unravel the hive and the breeze. Welcome to the unrivaled league.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Is Angel Reese in Chicago next season?

[Juju]

You know what? She is in Chicago next season. I. I predict she. She ain't going nowhere. They gonna. They gonna do what's right over there. It's a lot of stuff that gets reported. I don't think the whole. The whole truth ever really comes out, but I know that Chicago really, really loves her, and I think they're gonna get her back.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Juju, what do you make of Jane? What do you make of her suggestions for baseball? Do you want her to be commissioner?

[Juju]

Bruh, I think Jane should be the commissioner of the United States of America. Go with me here. Whenever she was talking, she wasn't giving y' all a little bit of Greg Cody and some of the. The influences and the. The infractions on her words. I think she's a. She's a superstar. We got to put Jane on the. On the podcast every week. Salute to Jeremy. I love you, but you need to have Ms. Jane on there sometime because, man, I can talking and listen to her talk all day.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

How does Jeremy handle that right there, you think?

[Chris Cody]

Well, I think that that was Juju just pitching her as a guest for Pitch Clock. That was not Juju being like, you're gone, Jeremy, like we said.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

Yeah. I actually hope Jeremy sees that interview, and it's like, this is a perfect guess for me to have on Pitch Clock because I think he'd be as big about Jane as anyone.

[Juju]

All right.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

Except for me. She's already in my close friends and liking stuff.

[Juju]

At least The. The Greg Cody show featuring Greg Cody. Y' all should, you know, I mean, give Ms. Jane to call one of these weeks. I'm with it neither here nor juju.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

We got some polls to update, I think, from yesterday also.

[Adnan Virk]

Right.

[Juju]

Yesterday we had one poll, and it wasn't the greatest oppos. It was like, is cultural appropriation delicious. I went against that one. Over under. When Dolphins fans will start booing this Sunday. Big over 1.5 drives or under 1.5 drives? 77% of the audience says under 1.5.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

I'm going over. I think it's over drive of the game.

[Adnan Virk]

Wow.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

I. I think it's gonna come in. I think it's right.

[Juju]

More for real. The Raiders or the chargers? 88 of the audience says the Chargers.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

Good team. I mean, they were the playoff team last year. So what if there's four division.

[Dan Le Batard]

What in that division is four playoff teams? Dude, that would be impossible. But that's gonna be possible, not impossible. Could it be possible?

[Adnan Virk]

Possible?

[Dan Le Batard]

No.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

It feels impossible.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

I don't know if it feels that way, but it's not.

[Dan Le Batard]

The AFC north has some players.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

It is possible. Like the AFC north wasn't.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

But he's saying it feels impossible.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

Feels impossible because they play each other.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Actually impossible.

[Adnan Virk]

No.

[Unknown Co-host 1]

Mathematically possible.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Juju]

I like to use this as a reminder for everybody to check out dls, hoops. Man, we got a great episode dropped yesterday. Also check out my boy Billy Gill this weekend. FIU in the booth. Also check out my dog, First Class. Zaz, man. On the road again. Where you at this week, baby?

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Glad you brought that up. I'm flying out to Knoxville tomorrow. Tennessee. Georgia. I've never been there before. It's awesome.

[Chris Cody]

I've been there.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

SEC matchup. We're broadcasting on Saturday morning. Calhoun's on the river, apparently. That's an amazing spot.

[Chris Cody]

The river there. Oh, my God. I was there years ago. I love that camp.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

So, I don't know, you got listeners or viewers.

[Chris Cody]

Have you ever been there?

[Juju]

No.

[Dan Le Batard]

I have. Okay.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

If anyone wants to come by and see how good I look, you can come check me.

[Chris Cody]

People, like, tailgate on the boats, right? On the river. Yeah.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Apparently they. They all dock right where we're doing the show in the Airstream. So come and see me and Amber Wilson. That'd be fun.

[Juju]

Yes, sir. Did the senator know JJ McCarthy's name? 93 of the audience says no, he did not.

[Chris Cody]

Damn.

[Juju]

Yeah, he knows. Baldo, last poll. Did you like it better when the pitch clock was the sun? 52% of the audience says, yes, they did. And those are your polls.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

That's a shocking result.

[Dan Le Batard]

Unfortunately.

[Chris Cody]

Unfortunately. We now get to Jeremy in the Pitch Clock.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Don Lebatard, can I tell you something? I don't know, maybe like a month ago and I decided to watch Pitch Clock and I told Jeremy stugats, this is a good show you're doing.

[Juju]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugach.

[Dan Le Batard]

Do you think that the audience is gonna notice that I wasn't on show today because I don't have makeup on?

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, you look terrible.

[Dan Le Batard]

I have the bags under my eyes aren't great. Speak. Speaking.

[Chris Cody]

I'm counting the bags.

[Dan Le Batard]

Speaking of bags, like stealing bags. Because baseball, I thought you're gonna go. Jeff Bagwell. Welcome to the Pitch Clock. Here's the Pitch, a two part baseball segment combining a nostalgic baseball trivia game and an interview interview with an expert. This is the Pitch Clock. It's another episode of the Pitch Clock. Hi everybody here on the Dan Lebatard show with Stu Gotts. That's Chris. Yeah, I'm Jeremy Taylor is with us. We'll have Adnan VIR, our monthly 2025 MLB expert, joining us in just a few moments. But first, it's time for Taylor's trivia. And I need at least a little bit of redemption. Yeah. Last week was truly and utter. I don't know if I've ever been dominated in a competition go on the way that I was last week. It was truly an utterly embarrassing and we had people dming us and tweeting at us saying like, hey, was Chris cheating? That's how good he was.

[Trivia Host]

Yeah, that was a a belt to ass situation last week. So we're going right back to it. It's fine. It's 501 darts. You're trying to get as close to zero as possible. Just a reminder, it'll be best of three each round. You guys will get five guesses and you can't go past zero. So if you do go past zero with a guess, you'll just stay at that number.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, so what's our subject this time? Taylor.

[Trivia Host]

So the first round will be home runs as a Met.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, I'll just go ahead with do I want a strong one or not? Actually, I'll say David Wright.

[Trivia Host]

So David Wright had 242 home runs as a Met, bringing you down to 259. Jeremy.

[Chris Cody]

Darryl Strawberry. I don't even know if he was a home run hitter.

[Trivia Host]

So Chris, Darryl Strawberry went deep. 252 times in his career, bringing you down to 249. After. After one round, you're within 10 of each other.

[Dan Le Batard]

So this is now where strategy comes into place because it's like there are certain people that I'm thinking of that I feel like have to have more than that. And so do you want to just start chipping away? I will. I will start chipping away. Francisco Lindor.

[Trivia Host]

Francisco Lindor has gone deep 136 times in his career as a Met, Bringing you down to 123, Jeremy.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's what I was looking for.

[Chris Cody]

Carlos Delgado.

[Dan Le Batard]

Ooh.

[Trivia Host]

Carlos Delgado hit 104 home runs as a Met, bringing you down to 145. Chris Cody.

[Dan Le Batard]

And this is kind of close. Our 2025 MLB expert is back with us for the, what, fifth or sixth time this season, it feels like at this point. Adnan Verk is here. Adnan, first of all, thank you for joining.

[Adnan Virk]

Of course. Jeremy, good to see you. I'm glad I'm still leading the clubhouse as far as overall appearances. It's like games played. I got to be that guy for you.

[Dan Le Batard]

You're blowing everybody out. Regular season record is officially yours. You' clinched. Congratulations. I do have to make a clarification off the top of this before we get into our baseball because last week if you go back and listen to the end of the pitch clock, I accidentally with Jason Benetti said that this would be my last season with the Miami Marlins broadcast. I meant series. This is my first season of hopefully 30. I don't know. I'd like to be on this broadcast for the rest of my life until the day that I die. So let's make it abundantly clear. Marlin's broadcast and not the last season. My last series is coming up against the Tigers this weekend, which is perfect synchronicity. But anyway, let's get into some baseball here. I want to talk to you about a couple wild card races and I want to start in the National League because hello, San Francisco giants. Apparently you're alive. 12, 3 in their last 15 games, going from seven under to two over at the time of this recording. Logan Webb has been remarkable on the mound. I mean, Adan, what has changed and do the Giants have a legitimate chance of catching the New York Mets for that final NL wild card spot?

[Adnan Virk]

I do think they have a chance. I don't think it will happen. But you're right, Jeremy, to bring it up that it's been an unbelievable story. The guy I want to mention is Elliot Ramos. Because Jake Peaty was telling me, because this guy is going to be a superstar for the Giants.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's wow.

[Adnan Virk]

Because people are not paying enough attention how good Elliot Ramos is. He's got 17 home runs this year. But really the key for them has been the fact that they can bang and in the past always been the pitching, no offense. William Dom is getting closer to being, I believe he's at 27, the first Giants hitter to have a 30 home run season since Barry Bonds back in 2004. And Raphael Devers as well. Jeremy's been much better since August 1st on. We know it's been a tumultuous season, but ultimately he's going to be 30 and 100. He'll figure things out there in San Francisco. But you mentioned Webb. Want to close with him. Career high 201 strikeouts, 184⅔ innings pitch, 28 years of age 7 season first giant Lilly's 200 strike count since Rodon three years ago. Webb is that guy. Parentally underrated as one of the best pitchers in baseball.

[Dan Le Batard]

It honestly reminds me a little bit of Jake Peavey and that he was always one of the best pitchers in the game but never considered the actual best. So it's, it makes sense that you would bring his name up overall. And anytime you could tell me there's a team that bangs, I'm very excited about it. You look up and down that roster and hey, I mean look, at this point they really are stringing together some really good couple of months amongst a lot of these, these bats in the order. But let's talk about the American League now because there's another situation unfolding over there with another team that I believe at the time of this recording has won 12 of their last 16 games, going from three under to five over and a relationship between the two. Bruce Bochy's the manager over here with the Texas Rangers, the former Giants manager. And he's always sprinkling some magic all over his teams. It's really spectacular to see what's happening there, particularly as they deal with, with a slew of injuries. No. Nathan of Aldi, who we spoke about a couple of months ago. Adnan, I mean, I'm going to ask you the same question. What's changed for the Texas Rangers and do they have a legitimate chance of catching the Mariners for the final wild card spot in the American League?

[Adnan Virk]

So this one's completely baffling. Jeremy. Yes, they have a chance. Yes, they could catch him, but I can't imagine it'll happen. I mean, come hell or high water with these injuries. So you mentioned the fact that Evaldi's outsman. Their best story was in the Scion conversation the last time we had spoken. But Seger being out, appendectomy, probably done for the season. Simeon being out like this is insane when you have your best position players and your best pitcher being done. So collectively, they stepped up. Big Ten. Their offense has been great. 12 of 16, they won. As you mentioned, they've scored at least four runs in each win. Held a few of them, not those losses. But the offense has been helpful and that's really been the issue for them much of the season now. Their pitching has been really good. Jack Leiter's really come on strong now, sub 4 era. You know, I think ultimately Texas as a team, I don't want to call it smoke and mirrors because they are winning and Seattle has been so shaky that that window and that door is still open. But I just can't imagine Texas without having their big time weapons being able to get in the playoffs. But you're right about crediting Bruce. Boy, that veteran managerial magic, he's got these guys believing right now. And somehow or some way this Texas team, I can't believe they're still in the race. Not even for the Walker, but even the division.

[Dan Le Batard]

Crazy. I mean, it's really crazy. And you talk about guys like Jacob deGrom and of course Merrill Kelly, who's one of my favorites because he looks so much like Roland from Schitt's Creek. I were really a. A person who was being more attentive to the show. I would have talked about Bruce Boi having magical sprinkle juice, as Dan referred to with someone earlier in the week. I'm gonna go with legendary New York Met Paul Laduca.

[Trivia Host]

So Paul LaDuca hit 14 home runs. Perfect as a Met, bringing you down to 109, Jeremy.

[Dan Le Batard]

I worry that he's gonna say a name.

[Chris Cody]

Mike Piazza.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, no, he didn't have.

[Chris Cody]

He played for the Dodgers too.

[Trivia Host]

So, Chris, you were at 145. You're gonna stay at 145. Cause Mike Piazza hit 220 home runs as a Met.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yep. Daniel Murphy.

[Trivia Host]

Daniel Murphy hit 62 home runs as a Met, bringing you down to 47, Jeremy.

[Chris Cody]

All right, Mike Jacobs.

[Trivia Host]

Mike Jacobs hit 12 home runs as a Met, bringing Chris cody down to 133.

[Chris Cody]

Didn't they have like a 30 home run season before he was with the Marlins?

[Dan Le Batard]

Or was.

[Chris Cody]

Did he go there after us?

[Trivia Host]

So Mike Jacobs hit 11 home runs in 30 games with the Mets in 2005. Then he went back to the Mets in 2010 and in seven games he hit one home run.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm trying to think of someone who has not hit a ton of home runs. I almost don't even remember if he played for the Mets, but I'm pretty sure he did toward the end of his career. And if not, I'll just take the zero. Did Edgar Renteria play for the Mets at the end of his career?

[Chris Cody]

Weird one.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm just trying to get a few. I feel like it was near the end, but I might be totally, I might be totally off base and there may be a different shortstop that I was thinking of.

[Trivia Host]

So Edgar Renturia never played for the Mets. So Jeremy, you're going to be at 47.

[Chris Cody]

I have a guy here. I just don't know how long he played for the Mets. In my mind he played a good like four or five seasons there. So that would be enough if he was like an 18 to 20 home run guy. Jeremy Bernitz.

[Trivia Host]

So Jeremy Bernitz hit 53 home runs, bringing you down to 80. It's gonna give Jeremy a one nothing lead after one.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jeremy Bernitz helps. Jeremy Tache. I almost said Michael. Michael didn't Fordo was the only one that I was like, I almost Michael Conforto. I, I, he would have probably won you, Chris.

[Trivia Host]

You were at 133. Michael Conforto hit 132.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's crazy.

[Chris Cody]

God damn it.

[Dan Le Batard]

Why didn't I. Are you kidding me?

[Chris Cody]

It was like on the tip of my tongue and then it hit me.

[Dan Le Batard]

Like, just God bless. There are other guys who always contribute as we get toward the home stretch of the season and even into the postseason. So there are a lot of guys who, who come up after that trade deadline and become a part of some of these teams that are still contending to be a part of the postseason. Adan, who's one of the younger guys that you've seen come up in the last four or five weeks that you think come the postseason. People don't know him right now, but by the time we're getting to the playoffs, everybody's going to be talking about them.

[Adnan Virk]

I'll give you two for the price of one, so everyone better talk about Nolan McClain. This guy's been unbelievable so far as a New York met a great pitch game against the Phillies last night. He has everything you want. The tools, the poise, the command. He's going to start meaningful playoff games for the New York Mets in The playoffs. Jonah Tong, fellow Canadian from Markham, Ontario is going to start, I believe, a critical spot for the New York Mets. So these guys just got called up. These guys could be really starring on Broadway for New York.

[Dan Le Batard]

I think that's actually first of all starring on Broadway, you know, I love that line right there. But second of all, to have these young arms going in who don't know any better and are just going to say, all right, here's my best. It's sometimes better than having those guys who have been a little bit disappointing but are the higher paid players. It could be a lot of fun. It makes the Mets a an even more likable team than they were before. But all right, time to get to our golden era of baseball. Star of the week. There are several guys that we can highlight here. Adnan, I'm going to give you three names and you're going to choose one of them. So we've got two of the best nicknames in sports. Are the first two. The Big Dumper, Cal Raleigh and I know we've talked about him before, but he's getting that much closer to tying and breaking Ken Griffey Jr. Single season home run record for the Mariners. He's at 53 at the time of this recording. Then there's the Pasquatch, Vinnie Pascantino, who we haven't spoken about, I think since you predicted the Royals would be going to the World Series at the very beginning of the year because he had an awful first half, really started to heat up toward the end. But 14 of his 29 homers here in the second half of this season, he's been great for the Royals, got them back into the wild card mix a bit. And then of course there's Bo Bashette, who I think this is the first time I'm mentioning his name this season and that is a travesty by me because he has bounced back in a big way from a disappointing season last year. Dealing with injuries, dealing with a lack of success. Take your pick. Vinnie, Cal, Boba, I'm all about Boba Shet.

[Adnan Virk]

Man, this guy's unbelievable. As you said, he's potentially win a batting title. I believe he's going to lead the major leagues in hits, at least by defensive metrics he's fine. But really what he's done offensive, he's amazing. The guy's been awesome. And especially Bo late in the season, August, September, he takes off. He's always done that. He's the Robin to Vlad Junior's Batman who's flirting with 300, 400 on base. 500 slug. This Jays team right now, it's going to be precarious down the stretch. The Yankees are right there. So are the Red Sox. But Boba Shet's an outstanding player. He's a pending free agent. He is going to get taken care of, either by the Blue Jays or my prediction is maybe he goes to the Dodgers, maybe he goes to the Braves. Great relationship with Alex Anthopoulos there with Toronto. So I'm with you, man. Bo doesn't get enough love, but that guy's an absolute student.

[Dan Le Batard]

He has been absolutely spectacular, like you mentioned. And. And I don't think that there's been a single hitter this season of which I've been on a broadcast that Tommy Hutton, the great Tommy Hutton, has been more impressed with than Bo Bashette. He was really blown away with his approach and his success when he was down here in Miami. Hey, my last series of Marlins baseball is coming up this weekend against the Tigers. I hope all of you watch that and of course, always watch Adnan Virk on MLB Network. Adnan, thank you so much for joining us. And I'm sure we'll see you as we get a little bit closer to playoffs or maybe even that first week of playoff baseball.

[Adnan Virk]

I'm about to say playoffs. I'm movie daily. Whether or not you like it.

[Dan Le Batard]

Absolutely.

[Adnan Virk]

Go buy my books to the file available. Books are sold. Thank you, buddy.

[Dan Le Batard]

I own that book. You should, too. Now let's get back to this game between myself and Chris. All right, let's get to round two. What are we doing? I want to get a win.

[Trivia Host]

This category is going to be home run runs as a Red Sock.

[Chris Cody]

Ooh, this is better.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm saying ooh a lot. And that's because I'm really excited about this.

[Chris Cody]

Chris.

[Dan Le Batard]

Go for it.

[Chris Cody]

Trot Nixon.

[Trivia Host]

TROT Nixon hit 133 home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you to 368. Chris Cody.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's a fun one. I'll just knock out a chunk. Manny Ramirez.

[Chris Cody]

I'm gonna put yourself in a spot where you need like 82 home runs.

[Trivia Host]

Manny Ramirez hit hit 274 home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you down to 227.

[Chris Cody]

Jeremy, I might screw myself here, but I don't think he hit that many. Move on.

[Adnan Virk]

Move on.

[Trivia Host]

So move on. Hit 230 home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you down to 138. Chris Cody.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm just gonna try to get a little chunk out just a tiny little bit here. Let's go. Dustin Pedroia.

[Trivia Host]

So Dustin Pedroia hit 140 home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you down to 87, Jeremy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, okay.

[Chris Cody]

I'm gonna get crazy here. This guy could be over, but he also could be right on the money. And I could have it another walk off here. No more.

[Trivia Host]

So, Chris, you're at 138, and you're gonna stay at 138, because no more Garcia Para. Hit 178 as a Red song.

[Dan Le Batard]

Good for Nomar.

[Trivia Host]

Sneaky power.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wow. Married to Mia Hamm. All right, 87 homers. This is a complicated one. Johnny Damon.

[Trivia Host]

Johnny Damon hit 56 home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you down to 31, Jeremy.

[Chris Cody]

Rafael Devers.

[Trivia Host]

Rafael Devers hit 215 home, good as a Red Sox.

[Unknown Co-host 2]

Raphael Devers.

[Chris Cody]

Damn, dude.

[Dan Le Batard]

That guy. Home run hitter.

[Trivia Host]

You're gonna stay at 138.

[Dan Le Batard]

I think I just need. I think I just need to get closer to zero. I don't want to try to get exact. I'm gonna go. I'm gonna go. Roman Anthony.

[Trivia Host]

Jeremy, you're gonna chip away. Roman Anthony has hit eight home runs as a Red Sox, bringing you down to 23.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'll take it. I thought it was more. I did, but I. I'll take 23, given the circumstances. You got a window here, man. If you get, it's what, 115. Between 115 and 138, you. You win.

[Chris Cody]

I'm gonna say a name that I'm not going with. It's like a Red Sox. I would probably call him a Red Sox legend, but I don't think of him as a huge home run hitter. But he plays so long there that I feel like he had to have had that. So I'm not going to say Jason Veritek, even though I think that I don't see him as a huge home run guy. I feel like he could be around there, but he's probably got more. So I'm gonna go with instead of Jason Veritek. Mike Lowell.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's pretty good.

[Trivia Host]

Mike Lowell hit 80 home runs as a Red Sox. Jeremy.

[Adnan Virk]

Two.

[Juju]

Zero.

[Dan Le Batard]

Go.

[Chris Cody]

Damn it.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yes.

[Trivia Host]

So, Chris, when you were at 138, the name that I thought you were thinking of was Mookie Betts. So when you were at 138, I looked up Mookie Betts. 139.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, boy. The story of this episode of the Pitch Clock is that I'm finally a winner. Chris. No longer a cheater. Dm me about this, guys. I'm excited. I won.

[Chris Cody]

And I hate you.

[Dan Le Batard]

Love you, too.