Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Harper's Fast Cycle, Schwarber's 3-Homer Burst Power Phillies 15-3

6/21/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Harper completed his first career cycle in four at-bats, the second-fastest in MLB history.
Kyle Schwarber hit three homers, with two in the third inning traveling 456 and 457 feet, joining the 67th player to homer twice in one inning.
Cristopher Sánchez’s one-run, six-inning effort lowered his ERA to 1.80 and helped the 15-3 win keep Philadelphia in second place in the NL East at 41-35, 7.5 games behind Atlanta.

History

Historical Context

Baseball’s rare cycle began on May 25 1882 when Buffalo’s Curry Foley hit the first documented one, a feat matched only 351 times through June 20 2026 when Phillies star Bryce Harper completed the latest cycle. The accomplishment, as uncommon as a no-hitter, links today’s postseason push to a tradition that has shaped league races for more than a century.

1 of 2

Story summary

Harper completed his first career cycle in four at-bats, the second-fastest in MLB history.
Kyle Schwarber hit three homers, with two in the third inning traveling 456 and 457 feet, joining the 67th player to homer twice in one inning.
Cristopher Sánchez’s one-run, six-inning effort lowered his ERA to 1.80 and helped the 15-3 win keep Philadelphia in second place in the NL East at 41-35, 7.5 games behind Atlanta.

1 / 2