The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers engaged in a tense battle that culminated in a dramatic extra innings finish. Orion Kerkering’s errant throw in the 11th inning handed the Dodgers a 2-1 victory, securing a 3-1 NL Division Series triumph. The Dodgers’ catcher, Will Smith, acknowledged the nail-biting nature of the game, crediting his team’s composure in the crucial moments.
Kerkering’s wayward throw past home plate, instead of to first base, allowed the Dodgers to clinch the win as pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim crossed the plate. The error occurred after Kerkering mishandled Andy Pages’ comebacker with two outs. The Dodgers advanced to face the winner between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee in the NL Championship Series. Kim, expressing surprise at Kerkering’s decision to throw home, emphasized his determination to capitalize on the opportunity.
Despite Realmuto signaling for Kerkering to throw to first, the pressure led Kerkering to opt for a quick throw to the plate. The ill-fated sidearm throw missed its mark, resulting in the game-ending error. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lamented the mental lapse, attributing it to Kerkering’s intense focus on the batter rather than the game situation.
The heartbroken Kerkering received consoling words from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who empathized with the young reliever’s emotional burden. The walk-off error marked the second time in postseason history that a series had ended in such a manner. The Dodgers’ victory propelled them to the NLCS, while the Phillies faced elimination for the second consecutive season.
In a separate matchup, the Chicago Cubs dominated the Milwaukee Brewers with a resounding 6-0 win, forcing a decisive Game 5 in their NL Division Series. Matthew Boyd’s stellar pitching performance, coupled with offensive contributions from Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Michael Busch, propelled the Cubs to victory. The series now heads back to Milwaukee for the final showdown, with the winner advancing to face the Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.
