​The Independent Returns: Blaine Crim Hits for the Cycle

The "Crim Reaper", or "The Independent" wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt back in the Lone Star State.

In just his second game back with the Triple-A Round Rock Express since rejoining the Texas Rangers organization, infielder Blaine Crim put together the historical performance, hitting for the cycle to power the Express to a 16-11 win over the Salt Lake Bees.

Crim was a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, driving in 5 runs, drawing a walk, and putting on a clinic in situational hitting and power.

Inning-by-Inning: How the Cycle Was Built

Hitting for the cycle requires both talent and a little bit of cosmic timing. Here's how Crim's cycle happened:

Bottom of the 1st: Crim wasted no time getting on the board, lacing a clean single off Salt Lake left-hander Sam Aldegheri to start his historic night.

Bottom of the 3rd: Facing Aldegheri again, Crim absolute scorched a double into the gap, registering a blistering 106.4 mph exit velocity.

Bottom of the 4th: Showing off his run-producing capability, Crim hit a 95.3 mph single off righty Gabriel Ynoa to drive home Cody Freeman.

Bottom of the 5th: He knocked out the hardest part of the cycle in the fifth. Facing LHP Houston Harding, Crim launched a 93.9 mph rocket that resulted in a 2-run triple, driving in both Freeman and Jonah Bride.

Bottom of the 7th: Showing incredible discipline despite being locked in, he worked a patient, 5-pitch walk.

Bottom of the 8th: With history on the line, Crim put the exclamation point on the night. He targeted a pitch from righty Zach Humphreys, launching a 371-foot no-doubter at 101.3 mph over the wall to officially secure the cycle.

A Proven Hitter Comes Back to Where It Started

Crim’s historic night is a poetic chapter in what has already been an impressive professional journey. Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Crim has done nothing but hit at every single stop of his minor league career.

Crim was claimed off waivers by Texas from the Colorado Rockies, where he made his official Major League debut on May 2nd, 2025

His career minor league track record speaks for itself:

• Career Batting Average: .292
• Home Runs: 132 HRs
• RBIs: 520 RBIs
• Career OPS: .873

Looking Ahead: The Road to Arlington

Now that Crim is back with the organization and is occupying a spot on the Texas Rangers' 40-man roster, a trip up I-35 to Arlington is not out of the question this season. All it would take is an injury or maybe even a trade.

The Rangers organization knows exactly what they have in the 28-year-old slugger: right-handed power depth, a professional approach at the plate, and a bat that can impact a game at any given moment. He just needs consistent playing time. If he keeps swinging it anywhere near this level in Round Rock, fans won't have to wait long to see him in Arlington.