Yankees blow lead after Anthony Rizzo misplay in disappointing loss to Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Yankees rotation entered the record books on Tuesday night, but the bullpen and defense could not hold up their end of the bargain to make sure it resulted in a win.

After a fielding error by Anthony Rizzo — it was later changed to a hit — extended the eighth inning, Clay Holmes entered to protect a one-run lead with two men on, and his first pitch was ripped for a two-run double that sunk the Yankees in a 4-3 loss to the Angels at Angel Stadium.

DJ LeMahieu, in his season debut, and Juan Soto both put charges into balls in the top of the ninth, but both fell short of tying the game.

Ex-Yankee Willie Calhoun had led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a single before Luke Weaver retired the next two batters.

But Luis Rengifo came up next and hit a ground ball to Rizzo’s right.

The first baseman knocked it down but could never get a clean handle on it, allowing Rengifo to reach safely.