UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured their place in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) after a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on October 12, 2023, at Dodger Stadium.
In a heart-stopping conclusion, reliever Orion Kerkering made a critical error in the 11th inning, throwing wildly past home plate instead of to first base after mishandling a grounder from Andy Pages. This blunder allowed pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sending the home crowd of 50,563 into a frenzy.
The Dodgers won the NL Division Series 3-1, marking their eighth appearance in the NLCS within the last 13 years. This victory is particularly significant as it follows a season where they sought redemption after last year’s playoff exit.
With two outs in the 11th, Tommy Edman singled, advancing to third after a hit by Max Muncy. Kerkering’s walk to Kiké Hernández loaded the bases, setting the stage for Pages, who had struggled throughout the postseason with a 1-for-23 slump.
“It’s tough to see a young player struggle like that, but we have to rally around him,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who consoled Kerkering after the game.
Earlier in the game, the Phillies took the lead with an RBI double from Nick Castellanos in the seventh inning. However, the Dodgers tied it when Mookie Betts was walked with the bases loaded.
Philadelphia, wearing their retro powder blue uniforms, has now faced elimination in the Division Series for three consecutive years. This loss marks a bitter end to the season for a team that had high hopes for a deep playoff run.
As the Dodgers celebrate this thrilling victory, they await the winner of the upcoming series between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers, with the next round of the playoffs set to commence shortly.
This game marks the third walk-off win to clinch a playoff series in Dodgers history and the second against the Phillies, according to ESPN Research. Fans now look forward to more excitement as the Dodgers continue their quest for another championship.