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Philadelphia Phillies Hitter Orion Kerkering spoke about his late-season mistake during the team's 2-1 Game 4 loss to the NLDS on Thursday at Dodger Stadium, which sent the Los Angeles Dodgers to the National League Championship Series.
Kerkering, 24, pitched the game 1-1 in the bottom of the 11th inning. The bases were loaded and there were two outs.
Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages hit a ground ball back to Kerkering, who did not field the ball cleanly. Kerkering tried to pick up the ball and made a wayward throw toward home plate, allowing a run to score.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering sits on the bench after his team's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Jane Kamin-Onsea/Imagn Images)
If Kerkering had looked up before throwing the ball, he would have seen the catcher. JT Realmuto pointing to first base and telling him to throw there.
The Phillies pitcher could have rallied and thrown to first base to tie the inning's finale, but instead threw home.
Kerkering said he was under pressure.
“Just got the leg out, as soon as that pressure got to me, (I) just thought it was a quicker throw for JT, a little quicker throw than trying to throw it over the body to Bryce (Harper at first base),” Kerkering told reporters after the game.
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Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto walks off the field after Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hyesung Kim (center) scored the winning run in Game 4 of the NLDS in the 11th inning Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
“Just horses… throw.”
Kerkering said he was in the moment and didn't hear his teammates tell him to go to first base. The Huntington Beach, Calif., native said his teammates supported him after the game.
“Just keep your head up,” Kerkering said. “It's an honest mistake. This is baseball. Shit happens. Just keep your head up, you'll be fine for a long time. It's not my fault. (We) had opportunities to score. Just keep your head up.”
Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto looks down after the Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)
“It means a lot. This shows that they care a lot. This, of course, means everything,” he added. “It really sucks right now, but hopefully we keep pushing and we can get past this barrier.”
Kerkering had a good season for the Phillies this year. In 69 games, he had an 8–4 record with a 3.30 ERA and four saves.
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The NLCS begins on Monday.
The Dodgers will face either Chicago Cubs or the Milwaukee Brewers, who will play a deciding Game 5 of the NLDS on Saturday.
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