The Indians have an off day today (Thursday) and then start a three-game series in Kansas City against the Royals on Friday.

A lot of folks have picked the Royals to place second in the AL Central. Right now, they’re 3-3, which isn’t great, but it’s ahead of us. Like the Indians, the bulk of their lineup is the same as 2011 with the addition of Chris Getz at 2B. Like us, a few of their starting lineup is hitting quite well (Jeff Francoer, .333; Billy Butler, .292; Chris Getz, .267). However, the Royals are hitting .227 as a team, which wouldn’t much to cheer about except that it’s well above our team batting average of .176. Pitching, their team ERA is 2.39 (5th best in the majors) with a 1.22 WHIP, compared to the Indians 4.42 team ERA and 1.24 WHIP.

It’s still early in the season, but our lack of meaningful offense and spotty relief pitching would indicate that the Royals will take the series.  But don’t abandon hope just yet. There’s a good chance the Indians can spoil the Royals’ home opener on Friday because Friday is Friday the 13th.

The last time the Indians played a game on Friday the 13th, it was May 13, 2011, against the Mariners.  We ended up winning, 5-4, on a two-run walk-off homer by Travis Hafner. Out of curiosity, I looked at all the games the Indians have played on Friday the 13th over the last 10 years.  There have been nine–we won six of them.

Friday, May 13, 2011 vs. Seattle W 5-4
Friday, Aug 13, 2010 vs. Seattle L 2-3
Friday, Jun 13, 2008 vs. San Diego W 9 -5
Friday, Apr 13, 2007 vs. ChiSox L 4-6
Friday, Jul 13, 2007 vs. Kansas City W 5-4
Friday, May 13, 2005 vs. Toronto W 6-4
Friday, Aug 13, 2004 vs. Minnesota W 8-2
Friday, Jun 13, 2003 vs. LA Dodgers L 3-4
Friday, Sep 13, 2002 vs. Minnesota W 12-5

Kind of weird, but there it is. As they say, past performance is not indicative of future results, but the way this season has started, I’ll grasp at any straw that might give us a win.

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