Video: Astros’ Yordan Álvarez Hits for 1st Career Cycle vs. Mariners

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJuly 21, 2024

Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Yordan Álvarez’s resume includes a World Series title, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger award, American League Championship Series MVP, three All-Star selections and, now, hitting for the cycle.

The Houston Astros slugger hit for the cycle during his team’s game against the division-rival Seattle Mariners on Sunday. He was a double shy when he stepped to the plate in the top of the eighth and delivered exactly what he needed.

Houston Astros @astrosYORDAN ALVAREZ HAS JUST HIT FOR THE CYCLE!!!! pic.twitter.com/Pgo8CoNMzn

It seemed like it would be a fairly normal game for Álvarez when he singled in the first inning, and a cycle still seemed like quite the long shot even after his solo homer in the fourth.

After all, he had five career triples coming into Sunday’s game, and he’s not exactly known as a speedster on the base paths who can stretch doubles into triples on a consistent basis.

Houston Astros @astrosAir Yordan to the upper deck! #Relentless pic.twitter.com/hSrhKfsSSB

However, his triple came in the sixth inning when Julio Rodríguez nearly made a leaping catch at the center field wall. Unfortunately for the Mariners, he was unable to come down with the ball and ended up leaving the game with an injury he suffered on the play.

That meant left fielder Dylan Moore had to come over and play the ball, which allowed Álvarez to end up on third. That left him needing just a double, and he picked it up in his final at-bat.

Not only did he finish with the cycle, he may have the chance to get his home-run ball since the fan who caught it, Amy Franz, said she wanted to get it to him:

Amy Franz @ichimeterladyDear @astros @Mariners I have Yordan Alvarez Home Run Ball. It’s worth more to him than me being as he hit for the cycle. Please find a way for me to get it to him. pic.twitter.com/VQhLLVrJ0S

Amy Franz @ichimeterladyFor those wondering, I was able to congratulate @astros Yordan and give him the piece of history that he earned. I did not ask for anything in return, but he made sure that I received an autographed ball to show his appreciation. Congrats Yordan, and thanks for the ball. pic.twitter.com/dwQVFEtYDY

Unfortunately for the Astros, Álvarez’s incredible game wasn’t enough to notch the win.

The rest of the team had five hits to his four, while Álvarez drove in two of the four runs and scored two of the four runs. Nobody else had more than one hit, although Jeremy Peña launched a solo homer in the seventh inning

Still, Álvarez’s individual efforts stood out, and Houston can at least take solace knowing it took two of three from its American League West rivals.