It’s only been one day since my last edition of “Beyond the Farm,” but former WVU Baseball player and MiLB prospect Skylar King achieved one of baseball’s hardest stat lines, prompting another edition. Read more: Around the Farm #2.5: former WVU Baseball player Skylar King hits cycle.
King, who plays for the Salem RidgeYaks, the Boston Red Sox Single-A affiliate, hit a cycle in Tuesday’s contest against the Columbia Fireflies.
Not only did King hit the cycle, but he hit it in reverse order, meaning he homered first, then hit a triple, double and single in that order.
King is now the first-ever RidgeYaks player to hit a cycle. The team’s identity was previously the Salem Rex Sox but changed to the RidgeYaks this season.
Related: Around the Farm #2: Top Mountaineers in Summer League and MiLB
The cycle
King hit a homer to the right of center field in the top of the first inning to set the tone early. The longball was his 10th of the season.
In his next at bat in the top of the second, King would then triple off a line drive hit down center field. No runners were on base, so King did not score anyone in this play.
After a groundout in the top of the fourth, King would get his double in the top of the fifth and pick up another two RBI.
Finally, King hit a line drive in the top of the eighth to complete the cycle and etch his name in RidgeYaks history.
King’s performance helped the RidgeYaks defeat the Fireflies 14-5. They currently hold an 8-8 record in the second half of the Carolina League season.
Amongst the RidgeYaks, King is the team leader in home runs (10) and RBI (34). He is often the first batter in the lineup.
King led off for the RidgeYaks in Wednesday’s contest against the Fireflies as well.
At WVU
King last played for WVU in 2025. He spent his entire collegiate career with the Mountaineers from 2023 to 2025.
In his final season, King was a consistent starter in right field, making 59 starts. He boasted a .291 batting average, three home runs and 32 RBI.
In the 2025 MLB draft, the Boston Red Sox selected Skylar King in the 15th round with the 448th overall pick.
Related: Sauve, four more Mountaineers taken in MLB Draft
He also played with the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League in 2025.
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