It was Girardi’s bungled decision to not ask for a replay that helped set the stage for the Indians’ 9-8, 13-inning victory in Game 2, which put the Yankees on the brink of elimination. Judge also swung and missed — repeatedly. He struck out 16 times in 20 at-bats in the series and had just one hit.
Each was grateful to have another series to play — and a reason not to look back.
“Every day is a new day,” Judge said in the center of the clubhouse, goggles on his head and a bottle of Champagne in his hand. “That’s the beauty of baseball.”
That Yogi Berra-like sentiment is no doubt shared by Girardi, who was excoriated in the news media after the Yankees’ Game 2 loss and then booed lustily when he was introduced at Yankee Stadium before Game 3. The anger also gave voice to the possibility that Girardi, who has been managing in the Bronx for nearly a decade and whose contract expires at the end of the season, might not be assured of coming back.