Baylor first baseman Tyce Armstrong had a historic night at the plate Friday, becoming just the second player in NCAA history to hit three grand slams in a single game. The redshirt senior’s incredible performance propelled the Bears to a dominant 15-2 victory over New Mexico State in their season opener, setting a new standard for offensive firepower.
Armstrong’s three grand slams accounted for 12 of Baylor’s 15 runs, tying an NCAA record previously held by Louisville’s Jim LaFountain, who achieved the feat in 1976. The feat is particularly remarkable as it occurred in the very first game of the season, marking a spectacular start to Armstrong’s final collegiate campaign. The UT Arlington transfer previously earned Second Team All-WAC honors in 2025, foreshadowing his potential for explosive offensive contributions.
The offensive explosion was fueled, in part, by New Mexico State’s struggles with control, as the Aggies’ pitching staff walked or hit 13 batters, consistently loading the bases for Armstrong. “All glory to God,” Armstrong said, reflecting on the momentous occasion. “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of and I have no words.”
Redshirt senior first baseman Tyce Armstrong crushes a pitch to send over the left field wall for a grand slam. Brady Harris | Photographer
Armstrong’s Historic Night: A Detailed Gaze
Armstrong’s performance wasn’t just about the grand slams; he finished the night with 7 hits in 7 at-bats, driving in 16 runs and accumulating 25 total bases. This incredible stat line underscores the sheer dominance he displayed at the plate. The Bears’ offense as a whole capitalized on the opportunities created by Armstrong and the Aggies’ pitching woes, securing a decisive victory in their season opener.
On the mound, redshirt junior Lucas Davenport delivered a strong performance for Baylor, starting the game and showcasing impressive velocity. Davenport recorded a 97-mph strikeout and benefited from a four-to-three double play early in the game, effectively shutting down the New Mexico State offense. “It was all working today,” Davenport said. “My cutter could be a little better but the changeup, sweeper and fastball all felt really good today.”
Redshirt senior first baseman Tyce Armstrong celebrates towards the dugout after hitting his first of three grand slams. Brady Harris | Photographer
Baylor’s Offensive Outburst
The Bears didn’t rely solely on Armstrong’s power. Redshirt freshman left fielder Hunter Snow contributed with a double in the second inning, setting the stage for another scoring opportunity. While the Bears didn’t capitalize on that particular chance, they consistently found ways to put runners on base, creating the conditions for Armstrong’s historic grand slams. The team’s overall performance demonstrated a promising start to the 2026 season.
The victory over New Mexico State marks a significant moment for Baylor baseball, and Armstrong’s record-tying performance is sure to be remembered for years to arrive. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming to translate this early success into a strong showing in the Big 12 Conference. Armstrong’s ability to deliver in clutch situations will undoubtedly be a key factor in Baylor’s pursuit of a championship.
What comes next for Armstrong and the Baylor Bears will be closely watched by college baseball fans across the country. The team’s upcoming schedule presents a series of challenging matchups that will test their ability to maintain this level of performance. The focus will be on continuing to develop their offensive and defensive strategies, and solidifying their position as a contender in the Big 12.
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