Overview: A playoff thriller ends with a surprising error
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 in 11 innings to clinch a spot in the National League Championship Series. The game, tied through eight innings, reached a dramatic crescendo when a wild error on a bases-loaded grounder in the 11th paved the way for the Dodgers’ winner. It was a postseason moment that will be remembered for its chaos as much as its chaos-free pitching until that final miscue.
The decisive miscue that changed everything
With two outs in the 11th, Orion Kerkering faced a crucial moment. A broken-bat grounder loaded the bases, and Kerkering’s attempt to throw home instead of to first base resulted in a throw sailing past catcher J.T. Realmuto. Pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim crossed the plate, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead and a trip to the NL Championship Series. The error not only altered the outcome of the game but also wrote a fresh page in postseason lore, joining a rare club of walk-off errors that end series on a single play.
After the game, Dodgers catcher Will Smith described the moment in celebratory terms: “That was a nail-biter. They cracked. We didn’t.” The eruption from Dodger Stadium’s stands was immediate as the crowd processed the unlikely ending.
Key moments that kept the game tied
The Phillies had taken a 1-0 lead in the seventh on an RBI double from Nick Castellanos off Emmet Sheehan. In the bottom half, Mookie Betts drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the tying run, keeping the Dodgers alive in a game where every inning mattered.
Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow delivered six innings of work, allowing two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts, keeping the Phillies a step ahead until the late-innings drama. The Los Angeles bullpen, supported by long relief from rookie Roki Sasaki—who averaged 99.5 mph on his fastball—shut down Philadelphia, smoothing the path to the dramatic finish.
Pitching depth helps the Dodgers survive late pressure
Sasaki threw three hitless innings of relief, combining with Emmet Sheehan, Glasnow, and reliever Alex Vesia to hold a formidable Phillies lineup to a four-hitter. Glasnow’s six frames of work gave the Dodgers enough time to weather the late surge and put themselves in position for the offense to seize control in extra innings.
Reaction from both dugouts
Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed sympathy for Kerkering, noting the youngster’s understanding of the moment and the pressure that comes with postseason opportunities. “He just got caught up in the moment a little bit,” Thomson said, stressing that the 24-year-old reliever would learn from the experience.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts called it a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, calling the sequence a pitcher’s fielding practice turned playoff moment. The win marked the Dodgers’ eighth trip to the NLCS in 13 years, underscoring the franchise’s consistent postseason presence in recent seasons.
What comes next: Dodgers vs. Cubs or Brewers in the NLCS
With the series win, Los Angeles advances to face the winner of the other Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers will look to leverage their depth and bullpen strength as they chase another shot at returning to the World Series, while Philadelphia’s run in this year’s postseason ends with a painful, well-fought defeat.
Final thoughts
Baseball’s postseason is often defined by small margins, and this game delivered a knockout blow in the most unexpected manner. The 11th-inning error by Kerkering will be discussed for years as a reminder that in October, a single miscue can shape a franchise’s fate. For the Dodgers, the victory isn’t just about escaping a tense moment; it’s about the opportunity to chase another championship and prove their playoff mettle once more.
