Watch: Phillies' Weston Wilson breaks David Bell's curse by hitting a cycle at Citizens Bank Park after 2 decades
Rookie Weston Wilson had something to cheer for on Thursday night as he etched his name into Philadelphia Phillies history books. He became only the ninth Phillie in franchise history to hit for a cycle – and the first to do that at home at Citizens Bank Park – after David Bell last achieved that feat against the Montreal Expos on June 28, 2004.
Take a look at the final hit by Weston Wilson, which helped him complete the cycle at home, here:
Wilson first started by hitting for a single and a triple in a five-run bottom of the fourth against the Washington Nationals. His next hit was a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Wilson completed the feat in the eighth inning by hitting a line drive to center field. After a failed diving attempt by Nats outfielder Alex Call, Weston was able to reach second base and complete the hitting cycle.
Wilson became just the second player to achieve this feat in recent years after Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hit for a cycle against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arizona on June 12, 2023.
Hitting for a cycle is never an easy feat to achieve in the big leagues due to the pressure and the pitching prowess possessed by all the major ballclubs. Thursday's cycle has arguably become Wilson's biggest career highlight so far since he made his MLB debut in 2023.
Weston Wilson's cycle and overall mighty offensive production pushes Phillies to victory
Three RBIs each by third baseman Alec Bohm and CF Johan Rojas, two each by RF Nick Castellanos and shortstop Trea Turner and one by Weston Wilson propelled the Phillies to take the opening of their four-game series against the Washington Nationals 13-3 at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia entered into this series after sharing the spoils of the previous two-game series against the Miami Marlins.
It was a well-rounded effort by the Phillies unit, as starting pitcher Zack Wheeler provided a solid start to the ballclub. Wheeler gave up just one earned run on three hits and struck out six batters in six innings pitched.
Philadelphia's relief pitchers carried on the positive momentum from Wheeler's start as they gave up just one extra run to secure the big win. The Phillies and Nationals play again in the second game of the series on Friday night. The first pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. EST.