Masahiro Tanaka: New York Yankees Rookie Pitcher Suffers First MLB Defeat

When Masahiro Tanaka was on the market prior to this season, nearly every MLB team took note, and thought about making an offer. It's likely they will for a long time, live to regret their lack of making an offer, but the 25-year-old rookie is not unbeatable, as he had appeared to be. The New York Yankees made an offer and got their man, and had so far reaped the rewards of his emphatic 6-0 start, but the pitching sensation finally suffered his first loss.

On Tuesday night he lost 6-1 against the Chicago Cubs. He pitched six innings, but the heavy Chicago rains and winds didn't help his cause. His control was out of rhythm, and had he of been facing a better team, he may of suffered a humiliating defeat. He allowed three earned runs in six innings, but far from the near flawless ERA of 2.39 he'd previously managed. He was able to strikeout seven batters, and didn't allow a home run, but this outing shows he can and will be beaten from time to time.

On another occasion, The Yankees would of supplied him with enough runs to still grab the win, but it wasn't to be, and perhaps with this monkey off his back, he can finally continue to pitch near his best, whilst also knowing he can be beaten if he doesn't reach the standards he'd previously set.

Can Tanaka be beaten on a regular basis, or was this a rare occurrence we're unlikely to see very often?