The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their spot in the National League Championship Series with a dramatic and historically rare walk-off error by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering in the 11th inning of Game 4 of the 2025 NLDS, ending the Phillies’ season in heartbreaking fashion.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), but their victory in Game 4 of the 2025 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies will be remembered for one of the most stunning and heartbreaking errors in postseason history. On Thursday, October 9, 2025, a seemingly routine ground ball turned into a wild throw in the 11th inning, clinching a 2-1 win for the Dodgers and a 3-1 series triumph.
The Moment of Truth: Kerkering’s Costly Misplay
The decisive play unfolded with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning. Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages, who had been struggling with a 1-for-23 postseason slide, hit a seemingly routine ground ball back to the mound. Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering mishandled the come backer, then made a frantic, ill-advised throw past home plate, intended for catcher J.T. Realmuto, instead of making the easier toss to first base.
As the ball sailed wild, pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim crossed the plate, securing the 2-1 victory for the Dodgers. The crowd of 50,563 at Dodger Stadium erupted, having spent the final three innings on their feet. Kerkering, visibly distraught, hung his head, his hands on his knees, as the gravity of the moment settled in.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson wrapped an arm around his pitcher in the dugout, offering words of comfort. Thomson acknowledged, “He just got caught up in the moment a little bit. I feel for him because he’s putting it all on his shoulders.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also expressed sympathy, stating, “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 there he was so focused, I’m sure, on just getting the hitter and just sort of forgot the outs and the situation.”
A Rare and Painful Piece of History
This pivotal error marked only the second time in MLB postseason history that a series has ended on a walk-off error. The only other instance occurred in the 2016 ALDS when Rougned Odor’s wild relay throw allowed Josh Donaldson to score, giving Toronto a 7-6, 10-inning win and a three-game sweep over Texas, as confirmed by OptaSTATS. This adds a unique, albeit painful, chapter to the Phillies’ playoff history.
For the Dodgers, it was their third postseason series to end with a walk-off win. Previously, Bill Russell’s single against the Phillies in Game 4 of the 1978 NLCS and Chris Taylor’s homer in the 2021 NL Wild Card game provided similar dramatic conclusions. The franchise has a knack for clutch moments, but this one will certainly stand out for its unusual nature.
Managerial Decisions and Bullpen Strain
The 11th-inning blunder also highlighted the strategic gambles and bullpen fatigue that defined Game 4. Phillies manager Rob Thomson had already made several high-stakes decisions. Earlier in the game, with the bases loaded, he opted to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani, who was 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts in the postseason, to face Mookie Betts. Betts then drew a bases-loaded walk from Jhoan Duran, tying the game and forcing extra innings.
Pitching resources were stretched thin for Philadelphia. After starting Cristopher Sánchez, Thomson brought in Jesús Luzardo from the bullpen for extra innings, despite Luzardo being slated to start a potential Game 5. Luzardo pitched an efficient 10th but allowed two runners in the 11th before Kerkering was called in, setting the stage for the fateful error.
Phillies’ Playoff History: Another Early Exit
The loss marks the Philadelphia Phillies’ third consecutive exit in the Division Series, a bitter pill to swallow for a team with high aspirations. Despite clinching the NL East title and earning the second seed with a 96-66 record, their postseason journey was cut short once again. This series was their first postseason clash with the Dodgers since 2009, a rivalry often marked by intense battles.
The Phillies had been hoping to capitalize on their strong home-field advantage at Citizens Bank Park, where they boasted the league’s best record during the regular season. With stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber, the team was built for a deep run. However, the unexpected conclusion leaves fans questioning how the team will overcome these repeated playoff disappointments.
Meanwhile, the defending World Series champion Dodgers are advancing to the NLCS for the eighth time in 13 years, showcasing their consistent dominance. They now await the winner of the NLDS matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs or Padres.
Pitching Excellence on Both Sides
Beyond the final error, Game 4 was a masterclass in pitching. Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki delivered three innings of hitless relief, combining with starters Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan, and winner Alex Vesia, on a four-hitter. Glasnow, in his first postseason start as a Dodger, tossed six scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out eight.
The Phillies countered with a strong performance from Cristopher Sánchez, who gave up just one run over 6 1/3 innings. The game remained a tense pitchers’ duel until the late innings, with only Nick Castellanos’ RBI double in the seventh providing the Phillies’ sole run.
The Road Ahead for the Dodgers and a Long Offseason for the Phillies
The Dodgers’ victory against the Phillies follows their sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Series, where stars like Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto shone. Their depth in both rotation and offense makes them a formidable contender as they pursue another World Series title. You can stay updated on all MLB playoff developments, including the upcoming NLCS, via the Associated Press MLB hub.
For the Phillies, the offseason will undoubtedly be filled with introspection. Their consistent struggles to advance past the Division Series, culminating in such a dramatic and painful loss, will prompt serious discussions about team strategy and mental fortitude. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds in the coming year, hoping to overcome this persistent hurdle and finally achieve their World Series aspirations.
