I remember that too. I remember asking the same question. I was worried about Jason Kubel batting in that spot, and after Rivera got the first strike, you could just feel that Kubel was going to press and chase those high fastballs and strike out. I was pretty upset Gardy did not pinch hit there. Later on, we learn that Gardy actually wanted to pinch hit and had someone in mind, but the player through his body language or whatever was afraid to go up and bat. Ugh. Therefore, Gardy left in Kubel to perish.
The Twins teams also had this bizarre approach during those years that the Yankees were somehow unbeatable, for some reason. And you could see it on some of the players faces, for example, the pinch hitter episode above. Seems very weird until you look at their win-loss record. I don’t think the current team is afraid of anyone or afraid of playing anywhere right now, which is another good omen that bodes well.