Overview: A nail-biting finish elevates the NLDS showdown
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on Thursday to win the NL Division Series in a dramatic fashion and advance to the National League Championship Series. After eight tense innings with neither side crossing the plate, the stage was set for a frenetic 11th that will be remembered for a misplayed grounder and an unexpected error that decided the fate of the series.
The crucial moment: Kerkering’s miscue and the walk-off run
With one out in the 11th, Tommy Edman and Max Muncy hit back-to-back hitters into scoring position, and a grounder off pitcher Orion Kerkering appeared routine until it sparked chaos. The ball rolled to the mound and Kierkenering attempted a play that would end the inning, but instead delivered a throw that sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto. The ball drifted down the third-base line and allowed pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run. In a moment of heartbreak for Philadelphia, the Dodgers escaped with a 2-1 victory and a trip to the NLCS against either the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee.
Player reactions and the postgame perspective
Dodgers catcher Will Smith described the moment as a “nail-biter” and noted how his team stayed poised when pressure mounted. For Kerkering, the moment was crushing. The 24-year-old reliever received support from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who acknowledged the emotional weight of the error. “He just got caught up in the moment a little bit,” Thomson said, underscoring how a single play can define a postseason series.
Key stretches: timely hitting and clutch pitching
Philadelphia had seized the initiative earlier when Nick Castellanos connected for an RBI double in the seventh off Emmet Sheehan. However, Jhoan Duran walked Mookie Betts with the bases loaded in the bottom half, forcing in the tying run and setting the stage for the late-inning drama. Pitching kept both sides in the game. Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow logged six innings of work with eight strikeouts and allowed only two hits and three walks, while reliever Tommy Edman contributed to a strong bullpen effort. Rookie Roki Sasaki, averaging nearly 100 mph on the fastball, provided three hitless innings of relief to further stifle the Phillies’ offense.
Historical context and implications
This was the second postseason series decided by a walk-off error in the Elias Sports Bureau’s records, a rarity that underscores how fragile late-game leads can be in October baseball. The Dodgers have now advanced to the NLCS for the eighth time in 13 years, continuing their recent pattern of deep playoff runs. Off the Phillies’ side, it marks their second consecutive season falling short in the Division Series despite strong play throughout the year.
What’s next: Dodgers’ path to the NLCS
With the win, Los Angeles will face the winner of the Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers series in the NLCS. The Dodgers’ pitching depth, led by Glasnow and Sasaki, will be key as they attempt to push for a return to the World Series. For Philadelphia, the focus shifts to offseason adjustments and rebuilding confidence after a pennant-chasing season.
Note: This game was characterized by steady defense, clutch offensive moments, and a chaotic final sequence that turned a classic playoff duel into one of the most memorable endings in recent postseason history.
