Temple City baseball coach Barry Bacon couldn’t have been more thrilled after beating Monrovia last week to hop in the driver’s seat for the Rio Hondo League.

But it was the Rams’ (13-6, 7-1) win over South Pasadena that really solidified their chances.

“It was a big win for us the other day against Monrovia,” Bacon said. “But we felt this game (against South Pasadena on Tuesday), coming in on their field we saw they were playing better and we needed to put them two games behind us.”

South Pasadena (10-11, 5-3) on Wednesday beat Monrovia (8-12-1, 4-4) to secure second place with four league games remaining.

“I know South Pasadena is not used to being in this position,” said Tigers coach Anthony Chevrier, who finished 7-8 in league last year. “I know they’re excited to have the opportunity to finish higher this season.”

At this point, there may be no stopping Temple City.

“It’s a team growing in confidence,” Bacon said. “It’s a team built on pitching and defense and we’re swinging the bat very well, I think.”

South Pasadena hosts San Marino (5-14, 2-6) at 3:30 today while Temple City throws Corey Copping against host La Caada.