The Los Angeles Dodgers grabbed a 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering made a critical error, and the Dodgers didn’t let the chance slip away.
That mistake came at a huge moment, letting the Dodgers take the lead and keep their postseason hopes alive. Let’s break down those key moments, Kerkering’s error, and what all this might mean for both teams next.
The Game-Changing Error
Every play in the postseason feels a little bigger, doesn’t it? Kerkering’s mistake was no exception—it really flipped the script for the Dodgers.
With the game tied 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth, Kerkering tried to make a routine throw to first base. Instead, he overthrew Rhys Hoskins, and the Dodgers scored the go-ahead run.
Details of the Misplay
Kerkering had been steady all season, but pressure can get to anyone. Runners stood on first and second with one out when he fielded a grounder.
He launched the ball over Hoskins’ head. The lead runner crossed the plate, and another Dodger moved into scoring position. That one moment really changed the game’s direction.
Dodgers’ Resilience
The Dodgers just have a knack for taking advantage of mistakes. After Kerkering’s error, their offense woke up and put together a string of big hits.
That ability to pounce on opportunities is a big reason the Dodgers stay in the playoff mix year after year.
Key Performances
Several Dodgers players stepped up in crucial moments:
- Mookie Betts: Came through with a clutch double that tied things up earlier.
- Freddie Freeman: Added to his postseason legend with a key RBI single.
- Julio UrÃas: Gave them solid innings on the mound, keeping the Dodgers close when it mattered.
Phillies’ Struggles
The Phillies probably feel like they let this one slip away. They started strong and even led for a while, but just couldn’t hold on when the pressure mounted.
Kerkering’s error kind of summed up the Phillies’ bigger problem: struggling to stay sharp in big moments.
Missed Opportunities
The Phillies had more than a few chances to put the game away, but it just didn’t happen:
- They left 10 runners on base.
- Only managed 2 hits in 12 tries with runners in scoring position.
- Two errors—Kerkering’s included—came back to bite them.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers are moving on to the National League Championship Series. They’ll be up against a tough opponent, no doubt.
Dodgers’ Path Forward
They’ll need to keep the momentum going if they want to keep advancing. Here’s what they’ll be focusing on:
- Keeping the bats hot: Timely hits have made the difference, and they’ll need more of that.
- Strong pitching: Both starters and relievers have to keep delivering.
- Avoiding fielding mistakes: As the Phillies learned, errors can cost you everything.
Phillies’ Offseason Questions
The Phillies head into the offseason with a lot to think about. There’s definitely some rebuilding ahead.
- Pitching depth: Can they actually strengthen their bullpen enough to prevent those late-game meltdowns?
- Offensive consistency: What’ll it take to finally get clutch hits with runners in scoring position?
- Defensive reliability: They need to make sure they handle basic plays, even when the pressure’s on.
If you’re looking for a full breakdown of the game, including play-by-play moments, check out the full article on the Guardian’s website.
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