UPDATE: The Philadelphia Phillies’ season ended in heartache on October 14, 2023, as they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) following a devastating error by reliever Orion Kerkering. The Phillies had taken a pivotal 1-0 lead in the sixth inning, but a series of missteps led to an emotional loss that left fans reeling.
In a game that extended into extra innings, the Dodgers leveled the score when reliever Jhoan Duran walked home a run in the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 11th, Kerkering mishandled a grounder, allowing pinch runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sealing the Phillies’ fate.
Despite the crushing loss, Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised the team’s camaraderie. “That tells you about what they’re made of,” Thomson stated after the game. “As bad as you feel, it’s good to see them be there for each other.” His comments highlighted the emotional support shown by teammates towards Kerkering, who struggled with a 6.75 ERA in the postseason despite a solid regular season performance.
Kerkering, who made 69 appearances during the regular season, struck out 65 batters in 60 innings pitched. While he had shown moments of brilliance, including scoreless outings in two of four postseason games, the pressure of the playoff stage proved overwhelming. Thomson emphasized, “We win as a team and we lose as a team,” underscoring the collective nature of the team’s journey.
The loss marks a challenging offseason for the Phillies, who must now make crucial decisions regarding several key players including Ranger Suárez, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto, all of whom are set to enter free agency.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers advance to the NLCS, where they will face either the Chicago Cubs or the Milwaukee Brewers. The opening game of that series is scheduled to begin on Monday, with the exact time to be determined after the Cubs or Brewers secure their spot.
As fans reflect on this pivotal moment in Phillies history, the emotional weight of Kerkering’s error will linger, but the team’s bond remains strong. For ongoing updates on MLB news and developments, stay tuned to trusted sources.