Baylor's Tyce Armstrong Hits 3 Grand Slams in 15-2 Win

WACO, Texas Baylor first baseman Tyce Armstrong etched his name into college baseball history Friday night by hitting three grand slams in the Bears' 15-2 season-opening victory over New Mexico State at Baylor Ballpark.

The senior transfer from the University of Texas at Arlington went 3-for-4 with 12 runs batted in, powering Baylor to a run-rule win after seven innings. His performance, which included all three home runs to left field, made him just the second Division I player since the NCAA began tracking statistics in 1957 to accomplish the feat. Louisville's Jim LaFountain achieved it nearly 50 years ago, on March 24, 1976, against Western Kentucky.

Armstrong's power display began in the bottom of the third inning. With the bases loaded and Baylor leading 2-0, he launched a 401-foot grand slam off New Mexico State right-hander Cooper Reese, extending the Bears' advantage to 5-0. The Aggies had managed two scoreless innings to start the game behind starter Colton Sneddon, who allowed one hit and no walks, but Baylor's offense erupted from there.

One inning later, trailing 9-0 after additional Baylor runs, New Mexico State turned to reliever Hazen Wright. Armstrong struck...