Marlins’ Xavier Edwards Hits for the Cycle in Loss to Brewers
The Miami Marlins may have fallen to the Milwaukee Brewers with a final score of 6-2 on Sunday, but the game was far from uneventful. Xavier Edwards provided a dazzling display of athleticism and versatility, hitting for the cycle—a rare feat in Major League Baseball.
A cycle is a rare achievement where a batter hits a single, double, triple, and home run all in one game. Edwards, who achieved this milestone, has not only etched his name in the Marlins’ history books but also made a significant mark on the 2024 MLB season.
Playing in his 184th game, Edwards began his journey toward the cycle with a walk in the third inning. Shortly after, he hit a double, advancing another historic step in the same inning. As the game progressed, Edwards showcased his speed and pinpoint accuracy, tripling to the gap in right-center during the seventh inning.
With only a single remaining to complete the cycle, Edwards faced Brewers closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning. In a high-pressure situation, Edwards connected with the ball, sending it past the infielders for a single and completing the rare feat.
This achievement makes Edwards only the second player in Marlins' history to hit for the cycle. The first to accomplish this was Luis Arraez, who achieved it just last year on April 11, 2023. Edwards' cycle also marks the third in the 2024 MLB season, with Wyatt Langford and Yordan Alvarez achieving theirs on June 30 and July 21, respectively.
Edwards’ rise isn't just about a single game performance. Earlier this month, he was recalled to fill the shortstop position left vacant after the Marlins released Tim Anderson. Since then, Edwards has been nothing short of exceptional, slashing .393/.470/.512 over the span of 25 games.
The Marlins, looking to shake things up and add new dynamics to their roster, also traded Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees. This move further cemented Edwards’ role at shortstop and placed him at the top of Miami’s lineup. And he hasn’t disappointed, providing both leadership and performance on the field.
Over the course of the game against the Brewers, Edwards displayed his versatility and knack for making impactful plays, illustrating precisely why the Marlins have put their trust in him. His performance didn’t just end with the cycle; it was complemented by his consistent ability to make key plays that put his team in strong positions, even in the face of a loss.
While the Marlins might be feeling the sting of the 6-2 loss to the Brewers, Edwards' cycle provides a glimmer of hope and excitement for the fans and the franchise. It shows that despite the setbacks, Miami holds potential in its roster, and players like Edwards are primed to be central figures in their journey forward.
This game wasn’t just another loss in the long MLB season; it was a showcase of the talent that the Marlins have nurtured and a promise of more exhilarating moments to come. Edwards' performance is a clear indicator of his growth and readiness to take on more significant responsibilities, setting a precedent for future games.
In a sport measured by stats and moments of brilliance, Xavier Edwards' cycle stands tall as a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to deliver when it matters the most. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what this young shortstop will accomplish next.
For now, however, Sunday’s game will be remembered for Xavier Edwards and his historic achievement, a shining light in the otherwise cloudy performance by the Miami Marlins.