Aaron Hill Becomes FourthPplayer In MLB History To Hit For Two Cycles In Same Season
The Associated Press
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Having hit for the cycle less than two weeks ago, Aaron Hill had a plan for when he came up with a shot at a second one.
Well, as much as one can plan for the rare batting feat.
”You can’t think about it,” he said. ”You look for a ball up and hope things work out.”
It did. Hill hit for the cycle for the second time in 12 days and Ian Kennedy pitched seven strong innings, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 9-3 victory over the Brewers on Friday night.
Hill also singled, doubled, tripled and homered on June 18 against Seattle.
Brooklyn’s Babe Herman is the only other major leaguer to hit for two cycles in one season since 1900, according to STATS LLC. He accomplished the feat in 1931.
”A cycle is one of those crazy things and to do it twice in (12) days – that’s crazy,” Brewers starter Randy Wolf said.
Hill doubled for his 1,000th hit in the first, singled in the third and hit his 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fourth. All those hits came off Wolf (2-6).
Hill tripled in the sixth inning off Livan Hernandez. His headfirst slide into third easily beat the relay throw from the outfield.
Brewers manager Ron Roenicke wasn’t surprised by Hill’s hitting prowess.
”He can really hit,” Roenicke said. ”This is a really good hitter. We made some bad pitches.”
Brewers catcher George Kottaras appreciated the pressure Hill was under. Last season, Kottaras became the seventh player in franchise history to hit for the cycle,
”He’s swinging really well,” Kottaras said. ”I know it’s tough to do it once.”
Hill seemed a bit dumbfounded by, but still happy with his good fortune.
”It’s great,” the Diamondbacks’ second baseman said. ”Obviously, it’s great to get the win, too. It wouldn’t have been as enjoyable if we came away with a loss. It was just a fun game.”
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