Baylor first baseman Tess Armstrong knows how to make a first impression.
The redshirt senior tied an NCAA record with three majors in a game in his Baylor debut when the Bears faced New Mexico State in the 2026 season opener. Another player to accomplish this feat was Louisville’s Jim LaFountain on March 24, 1976.
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Armstrong played in a Baylor uniform for the first time since transferring from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Only one team in MLB history has achieved three grand slams in one game (the New York Yankees on August 25, 2011), let alone a single player, noted MLB.com’s Sarah Langs. A total of 13 MLB players have hit two grand slams in a game.
Armstrong, batting in the leadoff spot, hit his first home run in the third inning with a low curve ball.
Then there was another inside fastball in the fourth inning.
Finally, a high fastball in the seventh inning gave Baylor a 15-2 mercy rule victory to end the game. All three home runs landed in left field.
Armstrong is currently hitting .750 with a 3.000 OPS and 12 RBIs in one game against Baylor. And pitch after pitch. The Associated Press reports that this appears to be a big moment for him:
“I’m speechless,” Armstrong said. “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
The Bears signed Armstrong after he hit .319/.415/.556 with 12 homers and 46 RBIs in his final season at Arlington, earning All-WAC Second Team honors.
