ROBINSON, TX – The Temple Tem-Cats didn't just open their season on Monday night; they made a statement. Facing the defending Class 4A Division 2 State Champion Robinson Rockettes, Temple’s bats came alive early and often to secure a commanding 16-4 victory.
The offensive explosion was headlined by London Armour, who dismantled the Rockettes' pitching with a 3-for-4 performance. Armour was responsible for four RBIs, including the highlight of the night: a massive third-inning grand slam to left field that broke the game wide open.
A Nine-Run Surge
After Robinson took an early lead following a solo home run by Reese Tate in the first, Temple responded with a relentless nine-run surge in the third inning. The Tem-Cats displayed remarkable plate discipline, drawing nine total walks in the game, which set the stage for their power hitters.
Ava Machuca and Lillian Bolivar both drew bases-loaded walks to keep the pressure on, while an error allowed another run to cross. Armour then delivered the knockout blow with her grand slam, vaulting Temple into a lead they would never relinquish.
No Let-Up in the Fourth
Temple refused to take their foot off the gas as the game entered the later stages. In the top of the fourth inning, the Tem-Cats added four more insurance runs on three hits. Brenna Thomas helped her own cause with an RBI double, followed shortly by Glory Foreman, who crushed a three-run home run to center field to extend the lead.
Standout Performances
The victory was a true team effort, with the top of the lineup providing consistent fireworks:
London Armour: 3-4, 3 runs, 4 RBI, 2B, HR (Grand Slam)
Brenna Thomas: 2-3, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2B | Pitching: 5.0 IP, 6 K, 0 BB
Glory Foreman: 1-2, 3 RBI, HR
Saniya Maxwell: 1-2, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 walks
On the rubber, Thomas was the picture of efficiency. She pitched all five innings, striking out six and walking none. Despite surrendering two home runs to Robinson—Tate's solo shot and a two-run blast by Raelynn Van Zee—Thomas remained poised and forced the Rockettes to earn every hit.
Up Next: Comal Tournament
The Tem-Cats (1-0) will look to carry this momentum into tournament play later this week. They travel to the Comal Tournament on Thursday, February 12, for a high-stakes double-header:
4:00 PM: vs. Medina Valley
6:00 PM: vs. SA Steele
With the bats already in mid-season form and a dominant win over a defending state champion under their belts, the Tem-Cats have officially put the region on notice.
