Dodgers World Series: Walks play key role in Game 3 win over Yankees

The Dodgers scored a record 42 runs in six games of the NLCS and scored another six runs, including three in the leadoff variety, in Game 3 of the World Series. The half-dozen free passes helped put them on the verge of their first full-season World Series championship since 1988 with a 4-2 win Monday night in the Bronx.

Instead of chasing the golden trophy flanked by pennants, the Dodgers let the final victory come to them with patience at the plate.

The mere presence of Shohei Ohtani on the pitch changes the opposing manager's in-game decisions, even as he struggles 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 opened the game with a walk and scored on Freddie Freeman's two-run home run.

Ohtani didn't swing at all in his first plate appearance and Clarke Schmidt accompanied him on four pitches. Even though Ohtani was obviously compromised, he was able to do his job and get onto the base.

The Dodgers' offense benefited from Ohtani's leadoff walk to start Game 3. The Bats also benefited from another leadoff walk early in the third. NLCS MVP Tommy Edman further contributed to his Dodgers' postseason history when he scored on a soft Mookie Betts single off Juan Soto to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

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

Gavin Lux took the Dodgers' third lead in Game 3 early in the fourth, but he nullified his base on balls when he was thrown out at home to end the inning. The Dodgers also squandered another potential run-scoring opportunity when they left Betts stranded after he drew a walk with one out.

It's no surprise that the two teams that fought their way to the World Series both lead their respective leagues in points.

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

The Dodgers disciplined the Yankees through the first three games of this historic World Series matchup. They forced New York to pitch in the zone. When they missed, the Dodgers managed to take advantage and score runs.

Game 3 didn't have a specific hero, but they counted and did their job to find the base for the next player. Their strength paved the way to their third straight World Series victory against 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 strong lineup, but the biggest thing is they're going to force you into the zone. They won't hunt. When you get into the zone, you have to execute. Because if you don’t, they’ll make you pay.”

The Dodgers have used this strategy throughout the season and found success despite a spate of injuries. The players encouraged each other and their positive team spirit undoubtedly contributed to their dominance.

The Dodgers should remain focused and patient at the plate and on the field if they want to accomplish the mission at hand and emerge as World Series champions.