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After a hard-fought road trip to Los Angeles, after going down 2-0 in the NLDS, the Philadelphia Phillies ended up losing the series-tying game and were eliminated from the postseason by the Dodgers with a final score of 2-1.
The final moments of Game 4 were nothing less than dramatic, and a devastating decision by relief pitcher Orion Kerkering was ultimately the game-deciding play.
With two outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages hit a grounder that came straight back to Kerkering. While stumbling, the pitcher decided to throw and get Hyeseong Kim out at home base. The throw was off, and the Dodgers won on a walk-off error from Kerkering.
Orion Kerkering reacts to the walk-off error that ended the Phillies' season
The Phillies were left in disbelief after the play. Many believed that Kerkering was able to throw Pages out at first, but instead decided to go for the closer throw at home base.
Kerkering was able to speak to the press following the loss, and it's safe to say that the pitcher was frustrated with the outcome of the game.
"I won't say the pressure got to me, I just thought it was a faster throw to [catcher J.T. Realmuto] than trying to crossbody it to [first baseman Bryce Harper]. Just a h– throw," the pitcher said, according to CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson. "This really f– sucks right now, but hopefully keep pushing, get over this hump."
The 24-year-old pitcher was called on in relief for all four games of the NLDS against the Dodgers, and except for a one-hit, two-earned run outing in Game 2 and the error in Game 4, he showed success.
There's nothing that can be done after the play has taken place. Hopefully, the young Kerkering will be able to bounce back in the future.
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