UPDATE: The Philadelphia Phillies’ season came to a devastating end on October 12, 2023, as they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) due to a critical error by reliever Orion Kerkering. The Phillies were poised for a victory, leading 1-0 in the sixth inning, but the game slipped into extra innings after a walk-off run in the bottom of the seventh.
In the nail-biting bottom of the 11th, with the Dodgers loading the bases and two outs, Kerkering fielded a ground ball from outfielder Andy Pages. However, his throw sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto, allowing pinch runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sealing the Phillies’ fate and ending their postseason run.
Manager Rob Thomson expressed his disappointment but highlighted the unity and character of his team following the heartbreaking loss. “That tells you about what they’re made of,” Thomson stated. “They win as a team. They lose as a team. They support each other.” He added, “I feel for him [Kerkering] because he’s putting it all on his shoulders. But we win as a team and we lose as a team.”
Despite the error, Thomson noted the strong camaraderie among players, as several teammates approached Kerkering to offer consolation after the game. This show of support underscores the emotional toll of the loss, not just for Kerkering but for the entire team.
Kerkering’s postseason performance included four appearances, where he posted a troubling 6.75 ERA over just 2.2 innings. Although he did not allow any runs in two outings, he was charged with two earned runs in the Phillies’ 4-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 2. During the regular season, Kerkering was a reliable asset, tying for the most appearances on the team with 69, while maintaining a 3.30 ERA and striking out 65 batters in 60 innings pitched.
As the dust settles, the Phillies face an uncertain offseason ahead. Key players like Ranger Suárez, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto are entering free agency, presenting crucial decisions for the franchise moving forward.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers advance to the NLCS, where they will face either the Chicago Cubs or the Milwaukee Brewers. The opening game of the series is set for Monday, with the exact time to be determined after the Cubs or Brewers secure their spot.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates on MLB news and rumors as the postseason continues.
