Orion Kerkering handled failure on the biggest stage significantly better than anyone else could have given the situation he was in. Bases loaded. Bottom of the 11th. Two outs. Ball hit to pitcher.

The natural reaction would be to toss the ball to first, but Kerkering bobbled the ball and, in a moment of panic, threw home, and over catcher J.T. Realmuto's head. Ball game over. Series over.

Kerkering didn't let the moment define him, facing the media and answering questions about his blunder. He took the challenge head on, even though he's a 24-year-old who just finished his second full year in the major leagues.

The Phillies won't let the final play of the season bear weight on Kerkering's shoulders. They won't be getting him out of dodge either, not with the way he handled himself in

See Full Page