Orioles’ Cedric Mullins Hits for the Cycle in Win Over Pirates

Cedric Mullins made history on Friday night, becoming the seventh player in Baltimore Orioles’ history to hit for the cycle. Mullins secured the feat with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, breaking the game open and leading the Orioles to a 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mullins’ cycle consisted of a single in the third inning, a triple in the fifth, a double in the seventh, and the aforementioned homer in the eighth. He also made a diving catch in the outfield, capping off an all-around performance.

Orioles’ Strong Start

The win improved the Orioles’ record to 25-13 on the season, and Mullins has been a key contributor to their success. The 28-year-old center fielder is hitting .268 with five homers and 12 stolen bases, while playing important defense for the team. Mullins was understandably emotional after accomplishing the rare feat, receiving a standing ovation from the appreciative Baltimore crowd. He became the first Orioles player to hit for the cycle since Austin Hays did it in 2022 against the Washington Nationals.

The Orioles have now accounted for two of the past four cycles in the MLB, with Mullins joining an impressive list of Baltimore players to achieve the feat. Other Orioles who have hit for the cycle include Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., Aubrey Huff, Félix Pié, and Jonathan Villar. Mullins’ cycle comes in a season that has seen only one other player, Luis Arraez of the Miami Marlins, accomplish the feat.

The Orioles have been playing well this season but have not been drawing large crowds. However, the 25,682 fans at Camden Yards on Friday night were treated to a spirited performance by Mullins and the team. Baltimore has started a new attraction called the “Bird Bath,” in which a section of fans in left field is sprayed when the Orioles produce an extra-base hit. Fans were treated to plenty of extra-base hits on Friday night, and manager Brandon Hyde suggested that if a cycle happens, the media should be sprayed as well. Overall, it was a night to remember for Mullins and the Orioles.