Former West Virginia University standout Skylar King delivered a headline‑making performance for the Salem RidgeYaks, completing a rare reverse‑order cycle in a 14‑5 victory over the Columbia Fireflies.
King opened his at‑bat with a solo home run, then followed with a triple, a double and finally a single, weaving a perfect backward sequence that left the Fireflies’ defense scrambling.
A Milestone for the RidgeYaks
The feat marked the first cycle in franchise history, cementing King’s place in the team’s short annals and underscoring his impact since the club rebranded from the Salem Rex Sox earlier this season.
His offensive outburst helped the RidgeYaks pull away early, turning a modest lead into a comfortable 14‑5 win that showcased the depth of the lineup.
King currently tops the club’s leaderboards with ten home runs and 34 runs batted in, numbers that reflect a season of consistent production.
The performance also resonated beyond the box score, reminding observers of King’s journey from Morgantown to the professional ranks.
After a standout collegiate stint at West Virginia University, where he batted .291 in his final year with three homers and 32 RBI, King entered the 2025 MLB draft and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 15th round.
He spent the summer in the MLB Draft League with the West Virginia Black Bears before joining the RidgeYaks, a move that has allowed him to continue refining his game while remaining on the Red Sox’s radar.
The RidgeYaks’ recent rebranding from the Salem Rex Sox to the RidgeYaks reflects a broader effort to align the club’s identity with its regional roots, a transition that King has embraced as he charts a path toward the majors.