Fateful error: Orion Kerkering knows his career will be forever marked

In Game 4 of the Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers last October, the score was tied at one apiece at the end of the 11th inning. The Dodgers had the bases loaded with two outs when Andy Pages hit a ground ball toward the mound that Orion Kerkering initially misplayed, but then picked up and threw to home plate instead of taking the easier play at first base.

Kerkering's throw to J.T. Realmuto sailed over the catcher's head, allowing the winning run to score and sending Los Angeles to the National League Championship Series.

What a brutal way to end a season. You've got to feel for the Phillies.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, survive, advance and have three days off to set their rotation for the NLCS. pic.twitter.com/VLxuT1mFuJ

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 10, 2025

Speaking to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies reliever said he knows his MLB career will be forever marked by that fateful mistake.

Everyone knows about it. The more you think about it, the more it's going to wear you down. It's going to affect me for the rest of my life. No matter where I go. If someone brings it up, whether it's now or 20 years from now, they're going to say whatever they want.

What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. “It's going to affect me for the rest of my life,” he said. “No matter where I go.”

He knows the challenge that awaits him: https://t.co/vKiKcHxSrj

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 4, 2026

One person who can relate to what the 24-year-old is going through and will go through is former star closer Brad Lidge, who reached out to Kerkering after the game. Lidge gave up one of the most famous home runs in MLB history when Albert Pujols hit a three-run shot in Game 4 of the 2005 National League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals.

I just wanted him to know. Don't blame yourself for that.

Lidge went on to experience ups and downs for the rest of his career after that moment. It remains to be seen how the young Kerkering, who has been a key member of the Phillies' bullpen with a 2.79 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 126 innings over the past three seasons, will react.

This content was created with the help of AI.