Yankees’ Cody Bellinger makes A’s pay for intentionally walking Aaron Judge

Cody Bellinger gets it.

He knows why opponents have intentionally walked — and will continue intentionally walking — Aaron Judge in certain spots, even with Judge encountering a rough patch the past two weeks.

“Understandable,” Bellinger said. “I mean, he’s the best hitter on the planet.”

The A’s opted for the same strategy in the third inning Friday with Anthony Volpe on second and first base open, choosing to face the 2019 National League MVP instead of the 2022 and 2024 American League winner — who’s also a clear favorite for the award again this year — in the middle of a historic season.

And three pitches later, Bellinger delivered again, driving in Volpe with a single to give the Yankees a two-run lead and improving to 3-for-9 with four RBIs in 12 plate appearances following Judge intentional walks.

“It’s [the] product of a good hitter that’s been around, been there and done that and doesn’t get overwhelmed or over-amped,” manager Aaron Boone said after the Yankees’ 3-0 win to open a series in The Bronx. “Sometimes, you want to show so bad in those situations. That can get you into some trouble. He seems to manage that really well.”