/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2025%2F10%2F10123552%2FKerkering-1024x576-1-1.webp)
As you probably know, the Dodgers eliminated the Phillies last night. This means the Phillies have only won one game in the playoffs this season, which is too few.
Even without Zack Wheeler, it's not enough.
Little by little, Bryce Harper's window to win a World Series is closing. Much like Aaron Judge, we wonder if he'll ever be able to get a ring.
And inevitably, Philly is looking for someone to blame. The forward in general is, if you ask me.
By necessity, the Phillies' manager is under scrutiny. His decision to give an intentional walk to a wasted Shohei Ohtani (even though he's good, historically, against Johan Duran) didn't go over well, as it ultimately led to a Dodger run.
But in a 2-1 setback, it was Orion Kerkering's error that caught the eye. We'll be talking about that one for a long time.
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
The guys may have consoled the reliever right afterwards and everyone is well aware that if the offense had done its job, the Phillies would still be alive right now, but….
But it was a basic mistake. It's the kind of play that's practiced in practice and that guys should make by instinct. With two outs, you throw to first base – especially when your catcher reminds you.
What you need to know is that this is the first time in history that a series has ended on an error.
Jayson Stark, who spoke about it, recalls that Bill Buckner's error, legendary as it was, was in Game #6 of the 1986 World Series. He didn't end his club's series that way, then.
That was the first postseason series in history to end on a walkoff error.
What a crushing way for any team to end a season.
Bill Buckner might come to mind, but that was only Game 6.
– Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 10, 2025
For sure, Kerkering will blame himself a lot and he admitted it himself in front of the media. It's only natural. But his challenge going forward will be to be able to put it behind him and come back strong in 2026.
Easier said than done, I know… but hey. After all, it was a horrible mistake.
- Dave Roberts feels sad for Kerkering.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on feeling for Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering after the game-losing gaffe:
“It's brutal. Obviously they played great defense tonight. It's one of those things that it's a PFP, a pitcher's fielding practice. He's done it a thousand times. And right..– Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 10, 2025
- The umpire apologized to Cristopher Sanchez for a missed call in the seventh, which led to a run a few minutes later.
Cristopher Sánchez said the umpire apologized to him for missing the 2-2 pitch to Alex Call in the seventh. What should have been a strikeout became a walk, and that runner went on to score the tying run.
– Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) October 10, 2025
- Nasty shot.
Heartbreaking for Orion Kerkering.
(Via: @BleacherReport)pic.twitter.com/F2v1UYvgZL
– Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 10, 2025
This content was created with the help of AI.
