The Los Angeles Dodgers have achieved a significant playoff victory, advancing to the National League Championship Series after a critical error by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering. This mishap occurred in the bottom of the 11th inning with the game tied at 1-1 and the bases loaded.
Key Moments of the Game
With two outs, Dodgers player Andy Pages hit a ground ball to Kerkering. The 24-year-old fumbled the ball and made a rushed throw to catcher JT Realmuto, which went wide of home plate. This blunder allowed Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sealing a 2-1 victory and a 3-1 series win for the Dodgers.
Kerkering’s Reaction
Following the game, Kerkering expressed his frustration, stating, “The ball just hit off my foot.” He acknowledged the pressure during the moment and his rushed decision-making. Team manager Rob Thomson offered support, noting that Kerkering was overwhelmed by the situation.
Dodgers’ Path Forward
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed empathy for the young pitcher. He described Kerkering’s error as unfortunate, emphasizing that the instinct to make a quick throw contributed to the missed opportunity for an out.
Series Highlights
- The Dodgers scored their first run in the seventh inning when Jhoan Durán walked Mookie Betts, allowing Justin Dean to score.
- The Phillies initially took the lead when Max Kepler scored following a double by Nick Castellanos.
- This victory marks the eighth time in 13 seasons the Dodgers have advanced to the NLCS.
Phillies’ Struggles
This elimination continues the Phillies’ recent playoff struggles. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the National League and having a strong lineup, they fell short in the NLDS for the second consecutive year. Last year, they were ousted by the New York Mets, and in 2023, they lost in the NLCS to the Arizona Diamondbacks after leading the series 3-2.
The Dodgers are now set to face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Chicago Cubs in the next round, aiming for a chance at the World Series.
