Weston Wilson needed just a double to complete the cycle, and he achieved it spectacularly as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals 13-3. With an eight-run lead, Wilson received a timely tip from teammate Bryce Harper, who encouraged him to keep running if he connected with the ball.
In the eighth inning, the 29-year-old rookie drove a line drive into right field. Right fielder Alex Call could not make the catch despite a diving effort, allowing Wilson to sprint to second base and make history as the first rookie in Phillies history to hit for the cycle.
“I thought it was more in the gap,” Wilson commented. “I saw him closing in, and I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ I saw it trickle out, and fortunately, he didn’t catch it.”
The Philadelphia crowd erupted in applause, including Wilson’s pregnant wife, who is expecting their first child, a boy, on September 1.
Wilson batting in the eighth spot, played a crucial role in the game, contributing a triple and a single during a five-run fourth inning for the Phillies. He launched a home run in the seventh and then completed his cycle with a double in the eighth.
This achievement marked the 10th cycle in Phillies history. The last player to hit for the cycle for the team was catcher J.T. Realmuto, who accomplished it last season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wilson’s cycle was also significant as it was the first at home since David Bell did it in 2004.
Wilson has quickly made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, having hit a home run in his very first at-bat after spending 706 games in the minor leagues.
Following his historic night, MLB will be taking Wilson’s cleats, bats, and gear for preservation, with the exception of his batting gloves. “I don’t know what they’re doing with it. I’m going to have to figure it out,” he remarked.
Since being called up from Triple-A in July, Wilson is hitting an impressive .414 over his last eight games. He stated, “I’m just trying to put good at-bats together whenever I get the chance.”
If he maintains this level of performance, Wilson could play a significant role in the Phillies’ pursuit of a World Series title this October. The Phillies are set to face the Nationals again on Friday at 6:40 p.m. ET.