Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkeling reflected on a critical mistake that led to his team’s 2-1 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium, which ultimately knocked the Dodgers out of the National League Championship Series.
The 24-year-old Kerkeling was pitching in the bottom of the 11th inning during a tight game with two outs and the bases loaded. When Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages hit a ground ball back to him, Kerkeling struggled with the throw. In a rushed moment, he threw the ball inaccurately toward home plate, allowing a run to score.
If he had taken a moment to look, Kerkeling would have noticed catcher JT Realmuto signaling for a throw to first base. Instead, he made what he described as a “horse—throw” to home. It’s a tough spot; the pressure is immense. “In the moment, I just thought throwing to JT was quicker than going across my body to Bryce (first baseman Harper),” he explained after the game.
Kerkeling mentioned that he didn’t hear his teammates urging him to throw to first, but they were supportive afterward. “Just keep your head up,” he recounted his teammates telling him. “It was an honest mistake. It’s baseball, things like that happen.” He emphasized that he still had a chance to help the team win.
He also shared a bit of optimism. “It’s really rough right now, but, I mean, I hope to get past this.” Despite the disappointing outcome, Kerkeling had a commendable season overall, with an 8-4 record, a 3.30 ERA, and 4 saves in 69 games.
The NLCS will kick off on Monday, while the Dodgers are set to face either the Chicago Cubs or the Milwaukee Brewers in a decisive Game 5 of the NLDS on Saturday.
