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Philadelphia Phillie’s Reliever Orion Kerkering talked about his season ending mistake during the team’s 2-1 game 4 NLDS losses Thursday at Dodger Stadium, which sent Los Angeles Dodgers to the National League Championship Series.
Kerkering, 24, threw himself in a 1-1 game at the bottom of the 11th round. The bases were loaded and there were two outs.
Dodgers Outfielder Andy pages hit a earthen ball right back to kerkering that didn’t field the ball clean. Kerkering encrypted to pick up the started ball and fired an uneven throw against the home plate so the race can scored.
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Philadelphia Phillie’s Relief Pitcher Orion Kerkering sits in Dugout after his team’s loss to Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 in the National League Division series, Thursday, at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Concea/Imagn images)
If Kerkering had looked up before throwing the ball, he would have seen Catcher JT Realmuto point to the first base and ask him to throw there.
Phillies’ reliever could have gathered and thrown to the first base to register the final out of inning, but instead threw home.
Kerkering said the pressure came to him.
“Just turn off my foot when this pressure came to me (I) just thought it was a faster throw to JT, a little faster throw than trying to cross body to Bryce (Harper at first base),” Kerkering told journalists after the game.
Philadelphia is suffering from miserable sports night in the city’s first ‘triple loss’ in over four decades
Philadelphia Phillies Catcher JT Realmuto goes off the field after Los Angeles Dodgers ‘Hyeseong Kim, Center, scored the series’ winning race in Game 4 of NLDs in the 11th round, Thursday, at Dodger Stadium. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
“Just a horses — toss.”
Kerkering said he was at the moment and did not hear his teammates tell him to go to the first base. Huntington Beach, California, natives said his teammates encouraged him after the game.
“Just hold up your head,” said Kerkering. “It’s an honest mistake. It’s baseball. S – t happens. Just keep your head up, you’ll be good for a long time to come. It’s not my fault. (We) had the opportunity to score. Just hold your head up.”
Philadelphia Phillies Catcher JT Realmuto looks down after Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 4 in the National League Division series, Thursday, at Dodger Stadium. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
“Means a lot. It shows that they care a lot. It just means everything, definitely,” he added. “This is really F-ing sucks right now, but hopefully continues to push and get over this hump.”
Kerkering had a strong season for Phillies this year. In 69 games he had an 8-4 record with a 3.30 ERA and four savings.
NLCS begins Monday.
Dodgers face either Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers, who will play a decisive NLDS game 5 on Saturday.
