The Miami Marlins faced a setback on Sunday as they fell to the Milwaukee Brewers with a final score of 6-2. However, the game will be remembered for a remarkable individual achievement by Marlins' shortstop, Xavier Edwards, who hit for the cycle—an elusive feat in baseball.
Edwards, who was recently called up to fill the void at shortstop after Tim Anderson was released, has made significant contributions to the Miami lineup. His performance on Sunday only solidified his role as an indispensable asset to the team. Edwards has been on a tear this season, boasting a slash line of .393/.470/.512 over 25 games.
A Historic Milestone
Edwards' journey to the cycle started in the third inning with a walk. He quickly followed this with a double later in the same inning. It wasn’t until the seventh inning, however, that the game began to feel like history in the making. Edwards drove a triple into the gap in right-center, bringing him just one hit short of the cycle.
The historic moment occurred in the ninth inning. Devin Williams, the Brewers' closer, was on the mound when Edwards lined a single, completing the cycle. This achievement not only marked the second cycle in Marlins franchise history but also made it the third cycle recorded in the 2024 MLB season. The previous Marlins cycle was accomplished by Luis Arraez on April 11, 2023.
An Elite Club
Achieving a cycle places Edwards in an exclusive club of elite hitters. The 2024 season has seen only two other cycles: Wyatt Langford on June 30 and Yordan Alvarez on July 21. Edwards' cycle is notable not just for its rarity but also for the stages of his performance and how each hit showcased his versatility and clutch capabilities.
A Long-Awaited First
The cycle marked several milestones for Edwards. Most notably, his double in the third inning included his first career MLB home run, an impressive end to a 184-game wait. This milestone only added to the significance of his achievement.
Making His Presence Felt
Since his recall earlier this month, Edwards has been an anchor at the shortstop position, taking over after the Marlins traded Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees. His presence has been felt both in the infield and at the top of the Miami lineup, consistently making impactful plays and contributing to the team's effort. Each step towards his cycle on Sunday showcased his knack for making significant contributions in crucial moments.
In a game where the Marlins struggled, Edwards’ accomplishment stood out as a beacon of promise and potential. It's a testament to his talent and determination that he could reach such an impressive milestone in a challenging scenario.
While the loss to the Brewers may have overshadowed the team’s performance, Xavier Edwards’ cycle is a bright spot for the Marlins—a reminder of the potential within their ranks and a hint at what the future may hold if such talents continue to emerge and develop.