“Rookie outfielder Weston Wilson etched his name into Philadelphia Phillies history by hitting for the cycle during a dominant 13-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, marking a rare achievement in the team’s storied legacy”
In a thrilling display of skill and composure, Philadelphia Phillies rookie Weston Wilson delivered a performance to remember, hitting for the cycle in the team’s commanding 13-3 win over the Washington Nationals. This remarkable feat, accomplished at Citizens Bank Park, marks only the 10th cycle in franchise history and the first by a Phillies rookie.
Wilson’s journey to the cycle began with a triple and a single in the fourth inning. As the game progressed, he continued to showcase his batting prowess with a home run in the seventh. The anticipation reached its peak in the eighth inning when Wilson, knowing he needed just a double to complete the cycle, sent the ball soaring to right-center field. As it bounced off the glove of a diving Alex Call, Wilson made his way to second base, securing his place in Phillies history.
Reflecting on the achievement, Wilson expressed his amazement at the moment: “I’ve been playing baseball for a long time… To be able to do it on the biggest level and in front of the best fans is just awesome. I’m kind of at a loss for words. It’s one of those things that, you know, it kind of just happened.”
Before stepping up to the plate in the eighth, Wilson received some timely advice from teammate Bryce Harper, who encouraged him to “just keep running” regardless of where the ball landed. This advice proved invaluable as Wilson celebrated his historic hit, clapping his hands and acknowledging the cheers from his teammates in the dugout.
Wilson’s cycle is the first for a Phillies player since JT Realmuto accomplished the feat in June of the previous year. It also marks the first cycle at Citizens Bank Park since David Bell’s in 2004, making Wilson’s achievement all the more special.
The 29-year-old outfielder, who signed with the Phillies on a minor league contract in January 2023, made a strong impression early on by hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat in August. After joining the team in June, Wilson has played 16 games this season, steadily proving his value. “I knew I could help this team, I just had to get it rolling and kind of get an opportunity,” Wilson remarked, reflecting on his journey to this moment.
The Phillies’ victory, bolstered by early home runs from Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos, secured back-to-back wins for the team, breaking a previous four-game losing streak. Wilson’s historic night not only solidified his place in Phillies lore but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale.
