Masahiro Tanaka is not recognized as a superstitious pitcher. There is no rabbit’s foot or unusual talisman in his locker. Unlike some players, he freely walks on the first-base line when entering and exiting an inning.
Luck, however, was clearly not on Tanaka’s side Friday night in as the Yankees lost to the Cleveland Indians, 7-3, at Yankee Stadium.
The loss dropped the Yankees to 1-4 this season against the Indians, who entered the day in last place in the American League Central division.
After an eight-pitch first inning, Tanaka skated past trouble in the second.