The Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated from the National League Division Series after a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium. The Phillies made several strategic moves throughout the game, including bringing in their NL Cy Young candidate into the seventh inning and using their closer to try to maintain a one-run lead.
Despite these efforts, the Dodgers tied the game, forcing extra innings. The Phillies used their expected Game 5 starter in both the 10th and 11th innings. They also called on their injured center fielder for a pinch-hit opportunity in the 11th inning, hoping for a decisive hit.
The game ended in dramatic fashion when Orion Kerkering mishandled a ground ball that could have ended the inning. He then threw over catcher J.T. Realmuto’s head at home plate, allowing the winning run to score and ending Philadelphia’s season.
“It was an improbably cruel way for the Phillies’ season to end.”
