The Miami Marlins succumbed to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 on Sunday, but the game showcased a remarkable performance by Xavier Edwards, who hit for the cycle, a rare and memorable feat in Major League Baseball.
A Historic Moment
Edwards' journey to hitting for the cycle—achieving a single, double, triple, and home run in one game—began in an unusual way, with a walk in the third inning. He didn't stay off the basepaths for long, however, as he later doubled in that same inning, setting the stage for what would become a career-defining performance.
In the seventh inning, Edwards tripled to the gap in right-center, putting him just a single away from accomplishing the cycle. The anticipation built as he stepped to the plate in the ninth inning against Brewers closer Devin Williams. With a sharp single, Edwards completed the cycle, cementing his place in Marlins history.
Rare Company
This achievement marks only the second cycle in the history of the Miami Marlins. The first was achieved by Luis Arraez on April 11, 2023, marking an impressive span of consecutive seasons with such rare feats. Remarkably, Edwards’ cycle is also the third recorded in the 2024 MLB season, joining Wyatt Langford and Yordan Alvarez, who completed theirs on June 30 and July 21, respectively.
Long-Awaited First Home Run
Edwards' cycle was even more special considering it included his first career MLB home run, which came during his 184th game. The versatile player has exhibited remarkable consistency and patience, and his performance on Sunday was a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
Filling Big Shoes
Having been recalled earlier this month to fill the void at shortstop left by the release of Tim Anderson, Edwards has been nothing short of spectacular. In 25 games this season, he has posted an impressive slash line of .393/.470/.512, taking over not only as the Marlins' shortstop but also at the top of their lineup. His ability to make impactful plays and his versatility were showcased at each step towards his cycle on Sunday.
An Evolution in the Lineup
Edwards has stepped into a spotlight that was previously held by Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was traded to the Yankees. This transition appears to be paying dividends for the Marlins, as Edwards has quickly shown his capacity to lead and perform at a high level. Sunday’s game highlighted the potential and promise that Edwards brings to the team moving forward.
Despite the loss to the Brewers, the Marlins have numerous reasons to be optimistic about their future. Xavier Edwards' unforgettable performance serves as a reminder of the kind of magic that can happen on any given day in baseball. As the season progresses, Marlins fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Edwards, hoping he continues to deliver such exhilarating moments.