Phillies Reflect on Season-Ending Mistake
Ending a season with disappointment is tough enough, but for the Phillies, there’s an added layer of frustration surrounding a controversial call that allowed the Dodgers to tie the game.
Philadelphia pitcher Christopher Sanchez shared that he received an apology from umpire Mark Wegner for a missed strike three that led to a walk during the Phillies’ 2-1 loss in Game 4 of the National League Finals, which pushed the game into extra innings.
“I know I missed it because he talked to me and apologized,” Sanchez said through an interpreter. “In big pressure situations, you can’t afford to miss those calls. I understand the pressure, but if the pitch is a strike, it should be treated as one.”
The defeat on Thursday was due to a mix of factors. While Orion Kirkeling’s pitching in the 11th inning was far from ideal, the team’s hitting struggles also played a significant role. It’s easy to get trapped in thoughts of “what if” concerning that call.
Sanchez put forth a remarkable performance, conceding just one run over 6 1/3 innings, yet that single run is clouded by the controversy.
After extending the lead to 1-0 in the seventh with an RBI double from Nick Castellanos, Sanchez faced Will Smith. On a 2-2 count, he delivered a 97 mph sinker to Alex Cole that many believed was on the edge of the strike zone.
However, Wegner ruled it a ball.
Catch JT Realmuto expressed disbelief, pausing to throw the ball to third base, struggling to comprehend the missed call.
Following the pitch, Sanchez exchanged a knowing glance with Wegner, tilting his head in disbelief.
He then walked Cole, allowed a single to Enrique Hernandez, and was subsequently ejected.
In the bottom of the 11th, closer Joan Duran surrendered a walk to Mookie Betts with two outs and the bases loaded, enabling Cole to tie the game.
Sanchez remarked that this call will always haunt him. “It will remain in the back of my heart,” he said. “But I want to improve for next year and be ready to compete.”
Despite the missed call, the Phillies held the Dodgers to just one runner across the next four innings, but the Dodgers managed to load the bases in the 11th, aided by two singles and a walk, alongside an error from Kirkeling.
Now, Philadelphia has faced the reality of three consecutive postseason series losses, including two in the NLDS.
“I can’t really compare them because they all feel terrible,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “When this happens, it’s like the whole world stops. It’s just a thud. The regular season was solid, with a lot of wins, but I expected more.”
