In a tense showdown between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers, both teams battled through extra innings, each scoring a solitary run. However, the game took a wild turn in the 11th inning when Orion Kerkering, after mishandling a crucial play, made a wayward throw past home plate instead of targeting first base. This error allowed the Dodgers to secure a 2-1 victory, clinching the NL Division Series with a 3-1 win.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, drenched in beer during the postgame jubilation, described the game as a nerve-wracking experience, noting that his team remained resilient while the Phillies faltered.
Following Kerkering’s costly mistake, Dodgers’ pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim seized the opportunity to dash across the plate, propelling the team into the NL Championship Series against either the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee.
The dramatic ending left Kerkering visibly crestfallen as he acknowledged his error, attributing it to succumbing to pressure and opting for a hasty throw to home plate instead of a more conventional play to first base.
The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, expressed disappointment over the crucial blunder, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Phillies manager Rob Thomson consoled Kerkering, recognizing the weight of the moment on the young pitcher.
This pivotal game marked the second postseason series to conclude on a walk-off error, a rare occurrence in playoff history. The Dodgers’ victory advanced them to the NLCS, while the Phillies faced another early exit from the Division Series.
In a separate NL Division Series matchup, the Chicago Cubs dominated the Milwaukee Brewers with a resounding 6-0 win, forcing a decisive Game 5. Stellar pitching from Matthew Boyd and a strong offensive display, including home runs from Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Michael Busch, propelled the Cubs to victory.
The Cubs’ triumph in Game 4 set the stage for a thrilling finale in Milwaukee, with the winner advancing to face the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Despite the Brewers’ impressive regular-season record, they struggled to generate offense against the Cubs’ pitching staff, ultimately falling short in the critical postseason matchup.