Marlins Fall to Brewers Despite Xavier Edwards’ Historic Cycle
In what will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic yet bittersweet game for the Miami Marlins, Xavier Edwards made headlines by hitting for the cycle during Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Although the Marlins were unable to secure victory, Edwards provided a silver lining by reaching a significant career milestone. Playing in his 184th MLB game, he achieved his first career home run and proceeded to hit for the cycle—a rare and illustrious feat in baseball, marked by a player hitting a single, double, triple, and home run within the same game.
The anticipation began building early in the game. Edwards started his journey towards the cycle with a walk during the third inning. Later that inning, he kept the momentum going by slamming a double, showcasing the offensive capabilities he has developed over his still relatively young career. As the game progressed, Edwards continued to astonish onlookers when he tripled to the gap in right-center field during the seventh inning.
The crescendo of the evening came in the ninth inning. With one final piece needed to complete the cycle, Edwards faced off against Brewers closer Devin Williams. Rising to the occasion, Edwards hit a single, etching his name into the annals of Marlins history as just the second player in the franchise to complete the cycle. Notably, it was Luis Arraez who first accomplished this feat for the Marlins on April 11, 2023.
Edwards’ achievement also marks only the third cycle recorded in the 2024 MLB season. Prior to Edwards’ heroics, Wyatt Langford and Yordan Alvarez had similarly distinguished themselves with cycles on June 30 and July 21, respectively.
Recalled earlier this month to fill the void at shortstop following Tim Anderson’s release, Edwards has proven his worth beyond any doubt. In just 25 games this season, he has been slashing an impressive .393/.470/.512, establishing himself as a key player for the Marlins. This recent performance validates the organization’s decision to place him at the top of their lineup and entrust the responsibilities of the shortstop position to him.
In a significant roster move, the Marlins also traded Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees, solidifying Edwards’ role as the primary shortstop. Each step towards the cycle underscored his versatility and ability to make impactful plays, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the team’s future.
Despite the loss to the Brewers, Edwards’ remarkable accomplishment provided a spark of excitement and a glimpse of potential for the future of the Marlins franchise. Fans and analysts alike will certainly keep a close eye on his progression, eager to see if he can build on this historic performance and continue to contribute at a high level.
As the Marlins look forward to the rest of the season, Edwards’ cycle serves as a reminder of the bright spots that exist even in challenging times. While victory on the scoreboard eluded them, the Miami Marlins and their fans can take pride in witnessing a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.