Currently undergoing a great and remarkable start, the Washington Nationals have accomplished yet another feat, thanks to one player in particular. On Tuesday night, the Nationals took on the Colorado Rockies in game two of their four game set in the Mile High city. After their bullpen collapsed in game one, the Nationals looked to bounce back in the ensuing match-up.
Their offense helped them do just that. Finishing the night with 15 RBI, the Nationals lineup propelled them to their first win of the series, despite their pitching surrendering 12 runs. The headline of the night, though, was Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, who hit the third cycle in Nationals history.
Trea Turner Cycle Third in Nationals History
On Tuesday night, Turner hit for the cycle in Colorado. Going four for six at the plate, Turner hit the third cycle in Nationals history (Christian Guzman and Brad Wilkerson were the first two). Turner started things off with a single in the first inning, then followed that with a two-run double in the second. Then, in the sixth, he blasted a home runs that scored another pair. Finally, with the bases loaded in the seventh, Turner hit a shot to right field and dove head-first into third to complete the cycle. He also notched seven RBI on the night. Turner’s show-out in Colorado was by far his best game of the 2017 season, and a sign that he’s back to being his speedy self.
A few weeks ago, Turner was placed on the 10-day disabled list with tightness in his right hamstring. He returned Friday night, when the Nationals defeated the New York Mets in the eleventh inning, 4-3.
In 2016, Turner appeared in just 73 games, but still performed at an elite level. Hitting .342, to go along with 13 home runs and 40 RBI, Turner was a dominant force at the top of the order for the Nationals. Turner also stole 33 bags, and was rather aggressive on the base paths.
For 2017, Turner hasn’t performed at that same level, but last night was an encouraging sign for him. For the year, Turner is batting .289, with one home run and nine RBI, and has stolen three bags.
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