Aaron Judge clobbers Shane Bieber meatball to give Yankees early lead (Video)

Aaron Judge is in playoff Aaron Judge mode, and that’s trouble for Cleveland

DJ LeMahieu and Judge took Shane Bieber to task early. Despite winning the pitching triple crown in this shortened season, Judge proved Bieber is human after all. Similar to his namesake, perhaps he ought to stick to singing.

Bieber’s first pitch to Judge was a get-me-over fastball, and Judge turned on it quickly. The Yankees outfielder gave Gerrit Cole and early two-run advantage with his homer, and suddenly what was expected to be a pitchers’ duel is suddenly an offensive showcase.

The Indians must answer early or risk falling further behind

Bieber’s regular season success shouldn’t be understated, but the playoffs are a whole different animal. Cole, meanwhile, has plenty of postseason experience, and won’t be caught off-guard with an early edge he didn’t see coming.

The Indians’ offense has been a little perplexing this season, as they average just over four runs per game despite having familiar names in the lineup. Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor ought to produce a more consistent output.

Judge, meanwhile, is off to a red hot start, which is exactly what the Yankees need in the middle of their lineup. New York’s bats are scary for a reason, with Judge’s potential through the roof when he’s healthy.

Playoff Judge is back. All rise.