By Nelson Espinal
Copyright newsweek
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided consolation for Philadelphia Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering, who cost his team after an NLDS-ending error.
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In the bottom of the 11th inning, the Dodgers had the bases loaded and two outs, the series-clinching run just 90 feet away. Outfielder Andy Pages, who was terrible throughout the series hitting just 1-for-23, came to the plate.
With the count at 0-2, he broke his bat on a slow grounder, though it had enough spin to make it tricky for Kerkering to field it cleanly.
Rather than calmly throwing the ball to first base — for which he had ample time — Kerkering instead airmailed the ball to home plate, well out of the reach of catcher J.T. Realmuto.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 09: Orion Kerkering #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies cannot field a ground ball hit by Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 11th inning in game four of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
It resulted in a wild throw, allowing baserunner Hyeseong Kim to get home and end the game, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 series win.
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“Once the pressure got to me, I just thought there’s a faster throw to J.T., little quicker throw than trying to cross-body it to Bryce,” Kerkering said after the game. “Just a horses–t throw.”
What should have been a routine play became a disaster for the Phillies, who were trying to stay alive in the playoffs. The game was tight throughout with phenomenal pitching from both teams, but it sadly came to an end due to an error.
Several people around MLB put their figurative arm around Kerkering, letting him know mistakes happen, even at the highest level. One of those people was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who spoke about the play.
“It’s brutal. Obviously they played great defense tonight. It’s one of those things that it’s a PFP, a pitcher’s fielding practice. He’s done it a thousand times,” Roberts said.
“And right there, he was so focused, I’m sure, on just getting the hitter and just sort of forgot the outs and the situation.
“Kerkering is a stud. And you definitely feel for a player. I’m obviously happy that we won. But, yeah, he’s had a heck of a year and he’s a heck of a pitcher.”
Only three seasons into his career, Kerkering has been one of the better relievers in baseball since breaking through into the majors. He has a 2.79 ERA through 136 games, a fantastic number for a pitcher only 24 years old.
Considering his talent and the Phillies’ core, the young bullpen arm should get plenty more chances in October to make up for his mistake this season.
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