Phillies Manager Backs Kerkering After Error, 'We Win as a Team and We Lose as a Team'

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson was supportive of reliever Orion Kerkering after his error gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-1 win in the 11th inning of the ALDS on Thursday.

"He just got caught up in the moment a little bit," Thomson told reporters after the game. "Coming down the stretch, he pitched so well for us. I feel for [Orion Kerkering] because he's putting it all on his shoulders. But we win as a team and we lose as a team."

With the bases loaded and two outs, Andy Pages hit a grounder back to Kerkering and the right-hander bobbled the ball. He eventually gained control and had time to make a play at first base, but chose to throw home instead before the ball sailed past Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto.

With the win, the Dodgers clinched the series 3-1 and advanced to the NLCS for the second straight year.

Thomson was seen consoling Kerkering after the defeat.

A victory by the Phillies would have forced a decisive Game 5 in the NLDS, an impressive feat considering they faced a 2-0 series deficit heading to Los Angeles.

While the late error gave the Dodgers a win, it was far from the sole reason why the Phillies couldn't find a way to tie the series. Philadelphia's lineup was only able to muster four hits and one run on Thursday, going 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

As for Kerkering, he finished the regular season with a 3.30 ERA and four saves in 69 games. He racked up 65 strikeouts in 60 innings of work.

Kerkering wasn't able to maintain his momentum heading into the postseason, allowing two earned runs in 2.2 innings across three appearances heading into Thursday's action.

The Phillies have now suffered back-to-back NLDS eliminations.