Beltre’s 3rd career cycle in Rangers’ 12-9 win over Astros

Texas Rangers' Adrian Beltre follows through on his solo home run completing the cycle against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Beltre is the ninth player in Texas Rangers history to hit for the cycle. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert) Texas Rangers' Adrian Beltre follows through on his solo home run completing the cycle against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Beltre is the ninth player in Texas Rangers history to hit for the cycle. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

By Associated Press August 4, 2015 4 min read

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Adrian Beltre came to bat in the fifth inning looking for a pitch he could hit over the wall. He got one for an impressive modern-day record.

Beltre homered in his fourth at-bat to complete his third career cycle, becoming the first player since the 1930s to accomplish that, in the Texas Rangers’ wild 12-9 victory over the AL West-leading Houston Astros on Monday night.

“Not going to lie, I was looking for a home run,” said Beltre, who lined a fastball into the seats in left field.

A two-run triple by Beltre in the first inning put the Rangers ahead to stay at 3-2. He had a double in the second on another ball hit into the left-center gap, but he suddenly put on the brakes after rounding the base hard instead of going for another triple.

“I thought I might, but I changed my mind last second,” said Beltre, who rapidly circled both of his arms like he was trying to reverse his momentum.