"He's still great over there” - Aaron Boone backs Anthony Rizzo after his 'uncharacteristic' 8th inning error during Yanks' loss vs. Angels

After losing the series finale against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, the New York Yankees started their new series on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. However, the result for the Yankees remained the same, as they lost 4-3 in the opening game.

In the eighth inning of the game, Yankees' Luke Weaver tossed out two hitters, but after coming to the pitch, Angels' Luis Rengifo hit a ground ball toward Yanks' 1B Anthony Rizzo's right side. The veteran tried to stop it but failed, and Rengifo, by then, had safely reached the plate.

Then closer Clay Holmes had to step on the mound, which wouldn't have happened if Rizzo had successfully made that save. Holmes then conceded a two-run double from Taylor Ward, and the Angels suddenly, with the go-ahead double, were leading 4-3.

Even though they lost the game against the Angels, the Yankees manager Aaron Boone backed Rizzo.

“He (Rizzo) had some hiccups there really early, and since then it’s kind of gotten clean and what we’re used to with Rizz," Boone said. "But a couple of mistakes here and there. It’s a little uncharacteristic, but it's part of it.

“We always talk about offense going through (some struggles), but sometimes even the best goes through a little bit defensively. It can be challenging. He’s still great over there. Just a couple of hiccups here lately."

The game was tight, with both sides giving their all. Angels started with a 2-1 lead in the first inning. The Yankees soon caught up to them again in the fourth inning and leveled it 2-2.

New York then took the lead in the fifth inning, making the scoreline 3-2. However, Rizzo's crucial error became the turning point and the Angels won 4-3.

The Yankees are scheduled to face the Angels on Wednesday for Game 2.

Anthony Rizzo admits his on-field blunder during the Angels game

Anthony Rizzo accepted the fielding error he made during the eighth inning against the Angels on Tuesday. However, the officials soon changed the error into a single right after the game.

“That play needs to be made,” Rizzo said. “I kind of overslid it and it bounced off my glove. Clay comes in and gives up a hit. He never should have been in the game if I make that play, so it's a tough one.”

This was Rizzo's 55th game for the Yankees this season and in 208 at-bats, the veteran 1B has a batting average of .245, along with an OPS of .680, and has hit seven home runs and 25 RBIs.

Anthony Rizzo hopes to leave this one error behind, move forward, and help his team get back to winning ways, as they still have a chance to clinch the series against the Angels by winning the next two games.