In a tense extra-innings duel, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies 2–1 in Game 4 of the NLDS, clinching the series 3–1 — and the victory fell into their laps after a heartbreaking mistake by reliever Orion Kerkering.
With the game tied in the 11th and the bases loaded with two outs, Andy Pages tapped a weak grounder right back to Kerkering. Rather than throwing to first for the easy out, the rookie mishandled the ball and hurried a throw past catcher J.T. Realmuto — allowing Hyeseong Kim to score the walk-off run.
The moment was cruel: a routine play turned season-ender. Phillies skipper Rob Thomson and teammates attempted to console the visibly distraught Kerkering as he absorbed the weight of the miscue. Dodger Stadium erupted, recognizing both the agony and the euphoria of postseason baseball.
Yet, the Dodgers’ triumph was no fluke. Tyler Glasnow delivered six gritty innings, Roki Sasaki tossed three perfect frames in relief, and their bullpen held strong deep into extras. Now they await the winner of the Brewers–Cubs matchup in the NL Championship Series.
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