Full Breakdown
Tyce Armstrong Makes NCAA History with Three Grand Slams in Season Opener
2/14/2026, 11:03:03 PM
Historic Performance in Baylor's Opening Game
On February 13, 2026, Tyce Armstrong, a redshirt senior first baseman for the Baylor Bears, achieved a remarkable feat by hitting three grand slams in a single game during the season opener against New Mexico State. This performance not only led Baylor to a 15-2 victory but also made Armstrong only the second player in NCAA Division I history to accomplish this, joining Jim LaFountain, who achieved the same in 1976.
Armstrong's historic night began in the third inning when he hit a 401-foot grand slam, extending Baylor's lead to 5-0. He followed this with a 407-foot grand slam in the fourth inning, pushing the score to 9-0. After striking out in the sixth, Armstrong returned to the plate in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and hit his third grand slam, which ended the game due to the NCAA's mercy rule, as Baylor led by ten runs.
Statistical Significance
Armstrong's performance was unprecedented in college baseball, as no Major League Baseball player has ever hit three grand slams in a single game. In MLB history, only 13 players have managed to hit two grand slams in one game, with the last occurrence by Josh Willingham in 2009. Armstrong's three grand slams resulted in a total of 12 RBIs, setting a new Baylor record for the most RBIs in a single game.
Background on Tyce Armstrong
Before joining Baylor, Armstrong transferred from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he had a successful career, hitting 17 home runs and accumulating 87 RBIs over three seasons. In 2025, he was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference Second Team. His transition to Baylor marks a significant step in his collegiate career, and his opening game performance has set high expectations for the season.
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Armstrong expressed his disbelief at the achievement, stating, "I'm speechless. I mean, that was the coolest thing I've ever been a part of." He emphasized his focus on maintaining a consistent approach at the plate and praised his new team, calling it the best he has ever been a part of.
Criticism & Opposition
While Armstrong's achievement has been celebrated, some analysts note the rarity of such performances in both college and professional baseball, highlighting the difficulty of consistently achieving high-level success in the sport.
What's Next for Baylor
Following this historic opening game, Baylor is set to face New Mexico State again on February 14, 2026. The Bears aim to build on their strong start and pursue their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2019, with Armstrong as a key player in their lineup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m speechless. I mean, that was the most cool thing I’ve ever been a part of,” — Tyce Armstrong, Baylor First Baseman
- “It was a situation for it, but I wasn’t trying to do it; I just got the right pitch and didn’t try to do too much,” — Tyce Armstrong, Baylor First Baseman
- “That was special,” — Lucas Davenport, Baylor Pitcher
