When Dodgers clinched the 2025 National League Division Series on a misplay, the baseball world collectively winced.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Philadelphia Phillies 2‑1 in 11 innings, sealing a 3‑1 series win and booking a berth in the National League Championship Series.
The decisive moment arrived with the bases loaded, one out in the bottom of the 11th. Tommy Edman singled to left, Max Muncy moved him to third, and a walk to Kiké Hernández set the stage for a rookie‑flavored dash to the plate.
Game recap and the errant throw
The matchup, officially 2025 NLDS Game 4Dodger Stadium, started at 5:08 PM PT and stretched to four hours, twelve minutes. Both clubs exchanged early runs, but the Dodgers took a 2‑1 lead in the fifth when Andy Pages drove in the go‑ahead RBI.
Phillies’ left‑hander Orion Kerkering entered to close the 11th. On his second pitch, a grounder slipped through his hands, allowing the winning run to cross the plate without a recorded out. It was the first postseason series ever to end on a pitcher’s throwing error with the bases loaded in extra innings, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The error dissected
MLB’s broadcast team struggled to keep a straight face. Commentator Brian Kenny described the play as “straight panic,” noting that Kerkering seemed unsure whether to step toward first or make a hurried throw. Even the Phillies’ catcher J.T. Realmuto, a future free agent, was seen shouting instructions that never arrived.
Post‑game analysis highlighted Kerkering’s solid 2.87 ERA over 62 regular‑season appearances, yet the pressure of a do‑or‑die situation exposed a rookie’s nerves. The miscue will sit in the record books alongside other infamous postseason blunders, but for Dodgers fans it felt more like a miracle.
Reactions from players and coaches
In the clubhouse, Max Muncy tried to keep the mood light, saying, “I still think there’s another gear in there. I don’t think we fully reached where we can be at.” When pressed, he added, “I think you would know,” prompting a chorus of laughter that echoed through Dodger Stadium’s corridors.
Manager Dave Roberts, now heading into his second straight World Series, praised his squad’s resilience: “We dug in and lashed out when the wall was right in front of us. That’s the kind of baseball we want.” Across town, Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed disappointment but remained hopeful about his club’s future, noting the “heart‑breaking way the season ended.”
What this win means for the Dodgers
Aside from the immediate thrill, the victory pushes Los Angeles into a NLCS showdown with either the New York Mets or Atlanta Braves, depending on the winner of the parallel series. The NLCS is slated to begin on October 14 at Truist Park or Citi Field, with seeding still to be finalized.
Statistically, the Dodgers now sit at a 12‑5 postseason record, matching the 2024 World Series‑winning campaign. If they repeat, they would become the first team since the 2000 Yankees to capture back‑to‑back titles, a feat that could reshape the modern NL power balance.
Phillies’ offseason crossroads
Philadelphia’s 98‑64 regular‑season tally still ranks best in the National League, but the loss forces General Manager Matt Klentak to confront a looming free‑agency crunch. Realmuto, 33, will test the market as a premium catcher. Meanwhile, star outfielder Bryce Harper is battling a lingering oblique injury, and veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber must decide whether to return to a new contract situation.
Thomson’s staff will also review their bullpen construction, as the trade‑deadline acquisition meant to solidify the closer role never materialized. The Phillies remain a premier franchise, but the 2025 postseason will forever be remembered for an error that cost them a World Series run.
Looking ahead: NLCS preview
Both potential opponents bring contrasting styles. The Mets rely on a dominant ace rotation, while the Braves boast a deep, youthful lineup. Dodgers’ hitters, especially the emergent Andrew "Andy" Pages, will need to stay hot; his .053 postseason average belies a clutch instinct that just delivered a series‑ending run.
Pitching will likely decide the series. If Roberts can marshal his staff to repeat the late‑innings heroics seen against the Phillies, Los Angeles could well be on its way to a historic repeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers’ win affect their chances for a second straight World Series?
Advancing to the NLCS puts the Dodgers one series away from a repeat championship. Historically, only a handful of teams have won back‑to‑back titles, and Los Angeles now matches the 2024 champion’s momentum, giving them a statistical edge in the upcoming matchup.
What led to Orion Kerkering’s throwing error?
Kerkering entered the 11th with the bases loaded and seemed rattled by the high‑leverage situation. A mis‑handed ground ball forced a rushed, inaccurate throw, a mistake commentators labeled as “straight panic.” The pressure of a potential series‑ending play likely contributed to the slip.
Which players will be key for the Dodgers in the NLCS?
Veterans like Muncy and Hernández provide steady production, while the surprise hero Andy Pages has shown clutch potential. Pitching ace Walker Buehler, if healthy, and bullpen stalwart Blake Treinen will also be pivotal in shutting down the opponent’s lineup.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Phillies after this loss?
Philadelphia must navigate free‑agency decisions for catcher J.T. Realmuto and assess Bryce Harper’s health. Their front office also needs to re‑evaluate bullpen depth after the bullpen’s late‑inning collapse, which could shape roster moves for the 2026 season.
When and where will the NLCS begin?
The National League Championship Series kicks off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The venue will be Truist Park in Atlanta or Citi Field in Queens, depending on the seeding outcome of the parallel NLDS between the Mets and Braves.