Braves' Freddie Freeman hits for second career cycle in win over Marlins

Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Atlanta Braves star first baseman Freddie Freeman hit for the cycle for the second time in his MLB career during Wednesday night's game against the Miami Marlins.

Freeman, the reigning National League MVP, doubled in the first inning, tripled in the fourth, singled in the fifth and blasted his 27th home run -- a two-run shot -- in the sixth.

Freeman's four-hit night was the seventh cycle in franchise history, according to the team. The five-time All-Star also became the first Braves player to hit for the cycle multiple times.

Freeman first hit for the cycle during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on June 15, 2016.

Freeman's triple in the fourth started a four-run rally for the NL East-leading Braves, who went on to earn an 11-9 win over the Marlins. His two-run homer over the center-field wall in the sixth boosted Atlanta's lead to 7-2.

The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and 2018 Gold Glove Award recipient is the third player to hit for the cycle this season, joining Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner -- who did so as a member of the Washington Nationals -- and San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth.

Entering Wednesday, Freeman had a .296 batting average with 26 home runs, 68 RBIs and seven stolen bases.