Phillies manager Rob Thomson delivers clear message to Orion Kerkering after unforgettable collapse

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies manager Rob Thomson delivers clear message to Orion Kerkering after unforgettable collapse image

The Philadelphia Phillies have been on the brink of a World Series title the past few seasons — especially in 2022, when they fell to the Houston Astros. But on Thursday, their hopes were cut short once again, this time by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a stunning and heartbreaking loss. The game ended on a play by Orion Kerkering that may go down as one of the most disastrous in MLB postseason history.

“OH MY GOD THE DODGERS ARE GOING TO THE NLCS ON A DISASTROUS PLAY BY THE PHILLIES,” Ben Verlander posted.

After the game, media quickly gathered around Kerkering’s locker to ask about the final play. The young reliever didn’t sugarcoat his emotions.

“This really f----ing sucks right now," Kerkering said when he was asked if he could use this moment for good. "But hopefully keep pushing, get over this hump."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was also asked about the play and offered a different perspective on what might have been going through Kerkering’s mind in that moment.

“It's brutal," Roberts said. “He's done it a thousand times. And right there he was so focused, I'm sure, on just getting the hitter. [He] just sort of forgot the outs and the situation."

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Phillies manager Rob Thomson made it clear that one moment doesn't define an entire game — or season.

“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,” Thomson said after the game.

At just 22 years old, Kerkering’s career could go one of two ways. This moment could be a turning point — a catalyst for growth and resilience — or a setback that lingers. It all depends on how he responds.

For now, the pain is real. But if used the right way, this low point could fuel a strong return and the next chapter in Kerkering’s young career.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.