The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers engaged in a tense battle that extended into extra innings with each team managing to score just one run. The turning point came in the 11th inning when Orion Kerkering, in a pivotal moment, made an errant throw past home plate instead of to first base after mishandling a comebacker hit by Andy Pages with the bases loaded and two outs. This error allowed the Dodgers to secure a 2-1 victory over the Phillies, clinching a 3-1 NL Division Series win.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, soaked in beer during the postgame celebration, expressed relief at the win, emphasizing their team’s ability to hold strong under pressure. Kerkering, visibly distraught, made a critical error that led to the Dodgers’ winning run crossing the plate, propelling them into the NL Championship Series against either the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee.
The game-changing moment occurred when Kerkering, after fumbling the ball hit off his foot, opted for a quick throw to home plate instead of to first base as initially signaled by catcher J.T. Realmuto. The errant throw ultimately cost the Phillies the game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the situation as a fundamental fielding practice mistake, noting that Kerkering seemed to have lost focus on the game situation.
Despite the Phillies’ initial lead secured by Nick Castellanos’ RBI double in the seventh inning, the Dodgers managed to tie the game in the bottom half, setting the stage for the dramatic ending. Kerkering’s error marked only the second time in postseason history that a series ended on a walk-off error.
In a separate NL Division Series game, the Chicago Cubs shut down the Milwaukee Brewers with a commanding 6-0 victory in Game 4. Pitcher Matthew Boyd and the Cubs’ solid performance forced a decisive Game 5, setting up a thrilling finale back in Milwaukee, with the winner advancing to face the Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.
