UPDATE: The Philadelphia Phillies’ season came to a devastating end last night as they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLDS, thanks to a critical error by rookie reliever Orion Kerkering in the bottom of the eleventh inning. The play unfolded at Dodger Stadium during a tense extra-innings showdown, leaving fans in shock.
With a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning, the Phillies seemed to be in control. However, a costly walk by pitcher Jhoan Duran in the seventh allowed the Dodgers to tie the game. Fast forward to the bottom of the eleventh, where the Dodgers had loaded the bases with two outs. Outfielder Andy Pages hit a grounder to Kerkering, whose errant throw sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto, allowing pinch runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run and end the Phillies’ playoff hopes.
After the game, Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised his team’s character in the face of adversity.
“That tells you about what they’re made of,”
Thomson stated, reflecting on how players consoled Kerkering despite the heart-wrenching loss.
“As bad as you feel, it’s good to see them be there for each other.”
He emphasized the team’s unity, saying,
“We win as a team and we lose as a team.”
Kerkering’s postseason performance was a mix of highs and lows, with a 6.75 ERA over 2.2 innings across four appearances. Despite not allowing any runs in two outings, he faced challenges in the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory during Game 2, where he was charged with two earned runs.
As the Phillies process their heartbreaking exit, they face a long offseason ahead. Key players including Ranger Suárez, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto are set to enter free agency, prompting critical decisions for the organization.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are set to advance to the NLCS, where they will face either the Chicago Cubs or the Milwaukee Brewers. The opening game is scheduled for Monday, October 16, 2023, with game time yet to be determined.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MLB news and developments as the playoffs continue. This shocking loss serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and the emotional rollercoaster that defines postseason baseball.
