The Philadelphia Phillies are still reeling from their fresh playoff exit on Thursday, when they were taken out of the running for the World Series.
The Phillies lost on a throwing error from relief pitcher Orion Kerkering in the bottom of the 11th inning. The Dodgers had the bases loaded with two outs when ice-cold Andy Pages came to the plate.
Kerkering got Pages to make some weak contact on a ball that landed right in front of the pitcher, though he struggled to field it cleanly, leading to panic about being late on a throw to first base.
He ended up choosing to throw the ball home, right to catcher J.T. Realmuto, with pinch runner Hyeseong Kim sprinting towards home.
The throw ended up going way above the catcher’s head – a game-ending throw once Kim stepped on home plate, ending the series 3-1 at Dodger Stadium.
It was a gutpunch for the Phillies, who played hard throughout the series and looked like they were gaining momentum after dropping the first two games.
Now, the Philles face a harsh winter. Free agent Kyle Schwarber could end up leaving after an MVP-caliber season, while Trea Turner and Bryce Harper are both getting another year older.
Realmuto could also leave in the offseason.
On the MLB Network, Dan Plesac gave his take on the organization and debated whether their championship window is still open.
“I still think right now if you’d ask me, my pick to win the [NL] East right now, today, unquestionably the Phillies,” he said.
“Zach Wheeler will be back healthy. Nola will be better. They boat race that division. It is not closed. Window’s still open.”
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