When rookie reliever Orion Kerkering, 25, misplayed a slow roller at Dodger Stadium on October 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers walked off 2‑1 to clinch the National League Division Series. The error ended the Philadelphia Phillies’ season despite a 102‑60 regular‑season record, leaving the clubhouse stunned and fans heartbroken.
Game‑by‑Game Recap of the 2025 NLDS
The best‑of‑five series began on October 5, 2025, with the Game 1Dodger Stadium ending 3‑2 in favor of the Dodgers. The Phillies answered back in Game 2, winning 5‑1 behind a dominant bullpen. Game 3 swung back to Los Angeles, 4‑2, at Citizens Bank Park. That set the stage for a final showdown.
In Game 4 of the 2025 NLDSDodger Stadium, the score was knotted at 1‑1 heading into the 11th inning. The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out, and a slow roller toward the mound became the decisive play.
The Pivotal Error: What Went Wrong
Phillies manager Rob Thomson had brought in José Alvarado earlier in the inning, but after a leadoff single, he called on Kerkering, a right‑hander who had been warming up in the bullpen. The pitch was a gentle sinker that dropped just in front of the mound. Instead of scooping it cleanly, Kerkering hesitated, the ball skittered past him, and the runner on third raced home.
Statistically, Kerkering’s 2025 regular season featured a 2.84 ERA over 68 innings, with a ground‑ball rate of 51%. On paper, the play was routine. Yet the pressure of an elimination game turned a routine ball‑handling drill into a nightmare.
Rob Thomson’s Post‑Game Response
Inside the Dodger Stadium interview room, Thomson’s voice cracked as he addressed a crowd of roughly 75 reporters. "I feel for Orion Kerkering because he’s putting it all on his shoulders," he said, eyes fixed on the young pitcher. "But we win as a team and we lose as a team." He added, "He just got caught up in the moment a little bit. Coming down the stretch, he pitched so well for us."
The manager also explained his earlier tactical move: "Alvarado had 30 pitches with three days rest. I didn’t want to push him too much. We thought about just one inning for him, but the situation demanded a right‑hander." This candid admission gave fans a glimpse into the split‑second decisions that shape postseason baseball.
Reactions from Players and Fans
Teammates swarmed Kerkering as he trudged off the field at 10:28 PM PT. Catcher J.T. Realmuto placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, while shortstop Trea Turner offered a quick pat and a nod. In the clubhouse, the mood was “brokenhearted,” according to Thomson, who counted “about 60 people” feeling the sting.
On social media, fans posted a mix of empathy and frustration. One tweet read, “Kids make mistakes. Let’s give Orion the space to grow.” Another lamented, “102 wins wiped away by one slip. Brutal.” The divide underscored how tightly the city’s hopes were tied to that single play.
What This Loss Means for Philadelphia’s Future
The Phillies entered the postseason as the National League’s top seed, a rare feat for a team that hadn’t topped the league since 2009. Their early exit mirrors a 2024 NLDS loss to the same Dodgers squad, prompting questions about roster depth and bullpen construction.
General manager Sam Fuld stayed silent during the press conference but is expected to evaluate reliever usage in the off‑season. Analyst Mike Lupica (MLB columnist) suggested, “Philadelphia’s talent pool is deep; the key will be finding a closer who can thrive under playoff pressure.”
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, led by president Stan Kasten, advance to the NLCS against the winner of the Mets‑Braves series, eyeing a repeat World Series run.
Key Facts
- Game‑winning run scored at 10:26 PM PT on Oct 10, 2025.
- Series ended 3‑1 in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Phillies finished the regular season 102‑60, best record in the NL.
- Orion Kerkering’s age: 25 years, 4 months, 12 days.
- Rob Thomson’s post‑game quote: “I feel for Orion because he’s putting it all on his shoulders.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Orion Kerkering’s error affect his career?
The error will likely be a learning moment rather than a career‑defining scar. Coaches have praised his overall 2025 performance, and the Phillies have indicated they will give him another shot in the 2026 spring training roster.
What led to the Phillies’ early NLDS exit?
A combination of bullpen fatigue, a pivotal fielding mistake, and the Dodgers’ timely hitting swung the series. The Phillies also missed a few key offensive opportunities in Games 3 and 4.
Who are the Dodgers set to face in the NLCS?
Los Angeles will meet the winner of the NLDS between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves, a series scheduled to start on October 13, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta.
What does this loss mean for Rob Thomson’s job security?
While Thomson deflected questions about his future, the Phillies’ front office historically gives managers a few seasons to deliver. With a 102‑win regular season, his tenure remains relatively secure despite the playoff disappointment.
When does the Phillies’ 2026 season begin?
Spring training opens on February 15, 2026, at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, giving the team a chance to regroup and evaluate its roster.