Trea Turner Hits for The Cycle on Birthday, Ties Record in Modern Era

Trea Turner is only the fourth player in the last 100 years to hit for the cycle three times.

Nationals shortstop Trea Turner hit for the cycle for the third time in his career on Wednesday to tie the record for the most during the modern era. The only other players to hit for the cycle three times in the last 100 years are Adrián Beltré, Babe Herman and Bob Meusel.

Trea Turner (@treavturner) just hit for the cycle on his 28th birthday! 💪🎂 #NATITUDE

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/i8CXCEzPxi

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 30, 2021

Turner, who turned 28 Wednesday, sealed the monumental milestone in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Rays. He sent an 88 mph cutter to right field on a 1–1 count and had no intention for settling for second, racing onto third and sliding in headfirst to clinch the cycle in the minimum four at-bats.

Turner also stole second and third base after his first-inning single and scored four times. Ryan Zimmermann pinch-hit for Turner in the seventh after the latter jammed his left pinky finger, but Nationals manager Davey Martinez expressed hope his shortstop could play Thursday.

The most recent cycle before Turner's was registered by Toronto's Cavan Biggio on Sept. 17, 2019.

The former first-round pick has never been selected to compete in the All-Star Game, but a historic cycle could be the sort of signature achievement that gets him there.