In a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, rookie Xavier Edwards of the Miami Marlins achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming only the second player in Marlins history to do so. Despite the Marlins' 6-2 loss, Edwards showcased his talent by going 4 for 4, including his first career home run, and scoring both of Miami's runs.
The Marlins, established in 1993, had never seen a player hit for the cycle until Luis Arráez accomplished the milestone in April 2023. Edwards expressed his excitement and gratitude for following in Arráez's footsteps, highlighting their brief time as teammates last year.
Edwards' cycle began with a home run on the opening pitch of the game, followed by a walk, a double, and a triple, marking the first triple of his career. His achievement was acknowledged by former teammate Tobias Myers, who praised Edwards' hitting ability and knack for making plays.
Despite the pressure of facing a two-time NL reliever of the year in his final at-bat, Edwards managed to hit a single to complete the cycle. This made him the eighth player ever to hit for the cycle in the same game as his first career home run.
Manager Skip Schumaker commended Edwards for his recent performance, noting his impressive batting average and on-base percentage. Schumaker highlighted Edwards' calm approach at the plate, solid contact, and ability to deliver in crucial situations.
Edwards, who missed the start of the season due to a foot infection, has shown significant improvement, batting .379 with a .462 on-base percentage in 25 games. Despite his limited extra-base hits prior to this game, Edwards proved his versatility and skill by achieving the cycle.
After the game, Edwards planned to give the souvenir baseballs from his milestone to his mother, emphasizing her role in preserving his achievements. His remarkable performance against the Brewers solidified his status as a rising star in the Marlins' lineup.
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