The Dodgers had a record 42 walks over six games in the NLCS, and they walked another six, including three of the leadoff, in Game 3 of the World Series. A half-dozen free passes took them to the brink of their first World Series championship since 1988, with a 4-2 win Monday night in The Bronx.

Instead of chasing the gold trophy flanked by pennants, the Dodgers patiently let the eventual victory come to the table.

Shohei Ohtani’s mere presence at the plate changes in-game decisions for the opposing manager, even if he is dealing with a subluxation in his left shoulder. Ohtani remained in the lineup in his regular leadoff slot as designated hitter for Game 3 of the World Series. He led off the game with a walk and scored on Freddie Freeman’s two-run home run.

Ohtani didn’t swing at all during his first at-bat, and Clarke Schmidt walked him. Even though he was blatantly compromised, Ohtani was still able to do his job and get on base.

The Dodgers offense cashed in on Ohtani’s leadoff walk to start Game 3. The bats were also able to take advantage of another leadoff walk in the top of the third. Tommy Edman, NLCS MVP, continued to add to his Dodgers’ postseason history when he scored on a soft Mookie Betts single against Juan Soto to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

Wasted walks and opportunities abounded Monday. The Dodgers lost two consecutive walks in the inning when Will Smith grounded out with the bases loaded.

Gavin Lux tied the Dodgers’ third walk of Game 3 in the top of the fourth, but he nullified his base when he was thrown out at home to end the inning. The Dodgers also squandered another potential run-scoring opportunity when they stranded Betts after he walked with one out.

It’s no surprise that the two teams that earned their way to the World Series both led their respective leagues in walks.

The Dodgers led the NL with 602 walks at a 9.6 percent walk rate during the regular season and 11.7 percent this postseason. The Dodgers have walked 64 batters this postseason, including nine in the World Series.

The Dodgers pressured the Yankees with discipline in the first three games of this historic World Series game. They forced New York to throw in the zone. When they missed, the Dodgers were successful in taking advantage and scoring runs.

Game 3 didn’t have a specific hero, but they cooperated and did their job to get on base for the next guy. Their fortitude paved the way for their third straight World Series victory over the Yankees.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy during the NLCS what makes this Dodgers team so good:

“I think it’s a deep lineup, but the most important thing is that they’re going to force you into the zone. They’re not going to chase. When you get in the zone, you have to execute. Because otherwise they will make you pay.”

The Dodgers have used this strategy all season and have found success despite a rash of injuries. The players have picked each other up and their positive team camaraderie has undoubtedly contributed to their dominance.

The Dodgers still need to stay focused and patient at the plate and in the field if they want to complete the mission and walk away the World Series champion.