Bryce Harper completed his first career cycle in a 15-3 Philadelphia Phillies win over the New York Mets on June 20, 2026, while Kyle Schwarber hit three home runs, including two in the same inning, in a historic performance at Citizens Bank Park. The game, which saw Harper’s 11.8-second triple to third base and Schwarber’s 457-foot home run, marked the second time in MLB history that teammates achieved a cycle and a three-homer game in the same game. The New York Times and MLB.com provided detailed accounts of the events, while The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted the significance of Harper’s milestone.
Harper’s Unconventional Pre-Game Ritual
Bryce Harper’s decision to use a 35-ounce Victus bat—long considered a joke among teammates—played a pivotal role in his historic performance. The bat, described as “enormous” by Harper himself, had been used in indoor batting practice for years, with moisture causing the wood to expand. “At first, we were kind of confused,” Phillies teammate Bryson Stott said, recalling the unusual choice. Harper, who typically uses a 31.5-ounce bat, took the heavy stick to the field for early batting practice before the game, hitting a 34-inch, 35-ounce bat to the third deck in right field. “I was trying to hit homers,” Harper said. “Just trying to have some fun.”
This unconventional approach paid off. Harper homered in the first inning, then recorded a double and a single in the third inning, setting up his fifth-inning triple. The triple, a 10-run game play, required audacious base running, with Harper reaching third in 11.8 seconds. “That was a Bryce Harper cycle,” Stott said. “The extra-base double. Then, the triple. That was sick. That was sick.” The play also forced Kyle Schwarber to score from first, a moment Schwarber later described as “busting it” to get home.
Schwarber’s Historic Three-Homer Innings
Kyle Schwarber’s performance was equally remarkable. In the third inning, he hit two home runs, including a 457-foot blast off Mets reliever Cionel Pérez. The feats made Schwarber the fourth Phillies player to hit two home runs in a single inning, joining Trea Turner (2023), Von Hayes (1985), and Andy Seminick (1949). “Yeah, that was cool,” Schwarber said. “First time I’ve done that in my career.” His first home run, a 456-foot shot, traveled at 109.1 mph off the bat, while the second reached 111.1 mph and covered 457 feet.
Schwarber’s three-home-run game extended his MLB-leading total to 28, and he became just the second player this season to hit two home runs in an inning, following Houston’s Yordan Alvarez. The Phillies’ historic night also saw Schwarber’s third homer of the game, which, combined with Harper’s cycle, made them the second team in MLB history to have teammates achieve a cycle and a three-homer game in the same game. The first instance occurred on June 3, 1932, when the Yankees’ Lou Gehrig hit four home runs and Tony Lazzeri hit for the cycle in a 20-13 victory at Shibe Park.
Historical Context and Franchise Significance
Harper’s cycle marked the 11th in Phillies history, placing him among legends like Lave Cross (1894), Sam Thompson (1894), and J.T. Realmuto (2023). “Doing that at the big-league level is really cool,” Harper said. “Got close a couple times, but being able to do that, having that moment is really, really cool.” The achievement also highlighted the Phillies’ dominance in the game, as they scored eight runs in the third inning and secured a 15-3 victory.
The game’s historical significance extended beyond individual milestones. The Phillies’ performance underscored their offensive firepower, with Harper and Schwarber combining for six extra-base hits and 11 RBIs. “They stole the show from me tonight, that’s for sure,” said starter Cristopher Sánchez, who allowed three runs in 5.2 innings. “It was perfect. I’ll take it.” The game also featured a rare moment of camaraderie, as Harper and Schwarber exchanged playful banter about their respective feats. “I said to K-Long before his third one, ‘He’s going to go deep right here. There’s no doubt in my mind,’” Harper said, referencing hitting coach Kevin Long.
Reactions and Implications
The game’s events sparked immediate reactions from players and fans. Phillies manager Don Mattingly praised Harper’s “hustle double” and “sick triple,” while Schwarber’s teammates lauded his ability to “hit two in the same inning.” The performance also drew comparisons to past legends, with The Philadelphia Inquirer noting that Harper’s cycle was “the 11th in franchise history” and that Schwarber’s three-homer game was “one shy of the all-time record.”
For Harper, the cycle represented a career milestone. “I was wondering, if he was going to hit one out of the stadium,” Phillies teammate Alec Bohm said, reflecting on Harper’s early batting practice. The performance also highlighted Harper’s adaptability, as he adjusted his approach to include a “heavy bat” and focus on hitting home runs. “I was trying to hit homers,” Harper said.
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