Girardi challenged play at plate to avoid another replay disaster

Joe Girardi has certainly learned from his mistake.

The New York Yankees' skipper said he made sure to challenge a close play at the plate in the fifth inning of Game 1 Friday to avoid the type of scrutiny he received in the ALDS for failing to review what proved to be a pivotal play.

"Well, we thought he was out," Girardi told reporters, referring to Greg Bird's slide into home. "But, God knows, I'm not doing that again."

Trailing 2-0 with two outs in the top of the fifth, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge singled to left field. Bird began his run from second and came charging around third at the same time Houston Astros left fielder Marwin Gonzalez picked up the ball. Gonzalez came up firing and nailed Bird at the plate to record the final out of the inning.

During Game 2 of the ALDS in Cleveland last week, Girardi failed to challenge a hit by pitch call that actually hit the bat of Indians outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall. Cleveland hit a grand slam on the following at-bat after Chisenhall took first base, and went on to rally from a five-run deficit to win the game.

"I take responsibility for everything, and I feel horrible about it," Girardi said last week. "I screwed up. It's hard. It's a hard day for me. But I've got to move forward and we'll be ready to go tomorrow."