Overview

• Hours before first pitch, Boone reversed his stated plan to start Paul Goldschmidt against left-handers and named Rice the first baseman for the elimination game.
• Boone highlighted Rice’s late-season surge and game-changing power, noting a .316 September and a home run in his postseason debut.
• Goldschmidt remained available for a pinch-hit opportunity or late defensive substitution, a choice made with Alex Cora’s quick bullpen usage in mind.
• Rookies started on both sides as Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler faced Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early.
• Rice batted fifth between Giancarlo Stanton and Amed Rosario, and Jazz Chisholm returned to the lineup after sitting in Game 2.