On Wednesday evening, Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins made history by hitting for the cycle against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This feat made him only the seventh player in Baltimore Orioles’ franchise history to hit for the cycle.
Mullins’ impressive performance came in the second game of a doubleheader, and it was clear from the start that he was locked in at the plate. In his first at-bat of the game, Mullins hit a leadoff home run off of Pirates starting pitcher Max Kranick. This was Mullins’ 17th home run of the season, and it gave the Orioles an early 1-0 lead.
Mullins would follow up his home run with a triple in the top of the third inning, driving in two runs to put the Orioles up 4-0. In the fifth inning, Mullins hit his second double of the game, and he completed the cycle in the seventh inning with a single.
With this performance, Mullins became the first Orioles player to hit for the cycle since Felix Pie accomplished the feat in 2009. The other players in Orioles’ franchise history to hit for the cycle are Brooks Robinson (1960), Boog Powell (1966), Cal Ripken Jr. (1984), Aubrey Huff (2007), and Pie.
Mullins’ cycle was undoubtedly a memorable moment for him and for Orioles fans, but it also showcased the remarkable season that he is having. In addition to hitting 17 home runs, Mullins is batting .316 with an OPS of .897. He has also stolen 14 bases and played excellent defense in center field.
Mullins’ breakout season has been a bright spot for the Orioles, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. With the team unlikely to contend this season, Mullins’ performance provides fans with something to cheer for and a sign of hope for the future.
In the end, Mullins’ cycle was just one game, but it was also a testament to his talent and hard work. He has emerged as one of the most exciting players in baseball this season, and his historic night against the Pirates will likely be remembered for years to come.
