What happened: Ben Rice moves to leadoff, with Cody Bellinger batting second and Luis Garcia Jr. starting at first base. Spencer Jones slots cleanup, George Lombard Jr. is the only right-handed hitter in the starting nine, and Max Fried gets the ball for New York.
Why it matters: The setup gives New York a different infield look from the outset, with Luis Garcia Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon drawing starts. It also pushes Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Volpe and Amed Rosario into reserve roles at first, second and third base.
By the numbers: Rice went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI in Game 1. George Lombard Jr. went 3-for-4 with two runs, while Cam Schlittler worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts.
What to watch: Watch how the left-heavy top of the order settles in once Game 2 begins. The game is scheduled and opens with the score 0-0.