CC Sabathia was back in Cleveland for Game 2 and his slider was on point

The Indians drafted a youthful 17-year-old CC Sabathia in 1998. Nearly 20 years later, he was back in Cleveland to pitch against his old team in October in the Yankees' wild 9-8 loss in Game 2 of the ALDS presented by Doosan.

The Indians drafted @CC_Sabathia as a 17-year-old fireballer.

20 years later, he aims to beat them in the #ALDS. https://t.co/0DCG1oStfc pic.twitter.com/23YZuORLP3

— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2017

Though he's faced the Indians in the past -- going 4-3 with a 3.65 ERA against Cleveland in 11 career starts -- this was his first postseason start against his former team. He probably no longer needs a placard with his name on it after a 237 career regular-season wins:

Sabathia worked 5 1/3 innings and gave up four runs -- two earned -- but his slider was just as sharp as when he won a Cy Young Award as an Indian. He struck out five batters on the day and got four whiffs on the slide piece. Just take a look at these sweepers: 

Unfortunately for current Sabathia, the bullpen that shut down the Twins on Tuesday struggled on Friday. Chad Green gave up Francisco Lindor's grand slam off the foul pole to reduce the Yanks' lead to one before Jay Bruce hit a solo shot off David Robertson to tie the game at 8. That meant Sabathia would take a no-decision in the Yankees' eventual loss. 
The series will now to move to Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees posted a .630 winning percentage during the regular season. Tune in to watch Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.