The Philadelphia Phillies’ aspirations for further playoff contention concluded on Thursday night in a disappointing manner when they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 4 of the National League Division Series as a result of a concluding-play miscue committed by relief pitcher Orion Kerkering.
To contextualize: Kerkering prompted a bases-loaded, two-out ball coming back toward the mound off the bat of Andy Pages. Nonetheless, Kerkering was unable to secure the ball cleanly, needing to pick it up from the area in front of the pitching mound. Although he seemed to have sufficient time to make a throw to first base for the out, he instead opted to throw toward home — “opted,” because his thrown ball went significantly off-target, thereby permitting the decisive run to score.
Here’s a viewing of the mentioned play:
Kerkering, understandably, presented as distressed during the moment and as he departed the pitching area. Subsequently, he communicated his viewpoint to the media.
“I wouldn’t suggest the pressure overwhelmed me, I simply believed it would be a more rapid throw to [catcher J.T. Realmuto] compared to attempting a crossbody throw to [first baseman Bryce Harper]. Just a terrible throw,” Kerkering expressed. He mentioned he did not hear anyone guiding his throw to first base, either verbally or nonverbally.
“This really f—-ing is unpleasant currently,” Kerkering stated when queried if he could leverage this instance for future advantage, “but with any luck continue onward, move past this obstacle.”
Various Phillies representatives offered their opinions on the play to convey their backing to their pitcher.
“Just encourage him to remain positive. He simply was caught up in the situation somewhat. During the crucial part there, he performed exceptionally for us,” manager Rob Thomson indicated he communicated to Kerkering after the game’s conclusion. “I sympathize with him as he’s assuming full accountability. However, we achieve victory as a unit, and we encounter defeat as a unit.”
“Refrain from permitting it to characterize who you are, your professional path, or similar aspects,” Harper, who had not conversed with Kerkering prior to addressing the press, commented. “Undeniably significant juncture, crucial circumstance, and somewhat slipped away from him at that precise moment.”
Even the opposing team’s clubhouse articulated compassion for Kerkering in Game 4’s wake.
“Kerkering is an exceptional player. And one undoubtedly empathizes with a player,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged. “I am clearly pleased regarding our victory. But, indeed, he has experienced a remarkable year, and he is an outstanding pitcher.”
Kerkering’s misstep signifies only the second occasion in Major League Baseball postseason history that a series concluded as a result of a concluding-play error. The sole prior occurrence transpired back in 2016, when the Toronto Blue Jays prevailed over the Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series owing to a Rougned Odor throwing error, as per research conducted by OptaSTATS.
Kerkering, 24, participated in 69 instances during the regular season, achieving a 3.30 ERA (134 ERA+) and a 2.41 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Throughout his major-league tenure, he has amassed a 2.79 ERA (155 ERA+) and a 3.15 strikeout-to-walk ratio, establishing him as one of the most reliable relief pitchers within the Phillies’ bullpen.
