The Miami Marlins may not have secured victory on Sunday, falling 6-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers, but they witnessed a historical moment at the plate courtesy of Xavier Edwards. The dynamic infielder etched his name into the annals of baseball history by hitting for the cycle, a rare feat marked by fulfilling the rundown of a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game.
A Milestone Moment
Edwards' journey through the game began with a seemingly innocuous walk in the third inning, an event that set the stage for what was to come. Later that inning, he unleashed a double, showcasing the range of his hitting capabilities. The seventh inning brought further excitement when Edwards drove a pitch to the gap in right-center, notching a critical triple.
The drama reached its zenith in the ninth inning. Facing Brewers' closer Devin Williams, Edwards delivered a resounding single to complete the cycle. This achievement marked only the second cycle in the history of the Miami Marlins franchise. The first cycle was recorded recently by Luis Arraez on April 11, 2023.
First Career Home Run
Not only did Edwards hit for the cycle, but he also celebrated his first career MLB home run in what was his 184th game. A long-awaited milestone, the homer was a definitive statement in establishing Edwards as a formidable presence at the plate.
Xavier Edwards has showcased significant versatility and impact during his stint this season. With a slash line of .393/.470/.512 in 25 games, his presence has been nothing short of influential for the Marlins. In filling the void left at shortstop following the release of Tim Anderson, Edwards has more than risen to the occasion, also taking on responsibilities at the top of Miami’s lineup.
A Season of Cycles
Edwards’ cycle is just the third recorded in the 2024 MLB season, making the achievement all the more significant in a sport where such feats remain a rarity. Earlier this season, Wyatt Langford and Yordan Alvarez also managed to hit for the cycle, with their landmark games coming on June 30 and July 21, respectively.
Team Changes and Dynamics
The Marlins have seen significant changes this season, including the trade of Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees. This move, pivotal as it was, helped optimize their roster, and Edwards has seamlessly taken over the mantle of shortstop, demonstrating his readiness and capability for the role.
While the Marlins' loss to the Brewers might overshadow the headlines, Sunday's game will be remembered for Edwards’ individual brilliance and his historic achievement. Every step of his cycle on Sunday was a testament to his diverse skill set and his intrinsic knack for making significant, game-altering plays.
As the Marlins move forward, Edwards' cycle stands as a bright spot, highlighting a promising talent whose impact on the team and the league is just beginning to be fully realized. Edwards' historic performance offers a glimmer of what could be a fiercely competitive remainder of the season for him and his team.