On Saturday, we saw a lot more of University of Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce and his record-setting fastball than we had in his previous outings.
Until Saturday, Joyce was used exclusively out of the bullpen. But in Saturday’s game against Georgia, Tennessee gave Joyce his first collegiate start. As a reliever, Joyce had never had to worry too much about his pitch count or pacing himself. Starting is a different animal. Having to throw more pitches over multiple innings, would Joyce’s fastball suffer? Not so much.
According to Yakkertech, Ben Joyce threw 20 pitches over 103, all 53 fastballs thrown were over 100 mph. 🔥 https://t.co/iiMXAOITkd
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) May 14, 2022
And it didn’t stop there. In addition to his overwhelming speed, Jones also showed off some top-tier location.
103 at the knees on the black… good luck
2-0 Vols going to the bottom of the 3rd!
📺 https://t.co/hQ1RYPiptz#GBO // #OTH // #BeatGeorgia pic.twitter.com/Qoq88m94Dq
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) May 14, 2022
With that kind of command, even if the hitter had offered at the pitch and made contact, the ball wasn’t going anywhere.
Joyce showed something else on Saturday. While his triple-digit fastball is an absolute weapon, it’s not the only pitch he has in his arsenal.
Ben Joyce's 3rd Inning of Work.
A couple of 103mphs and a bowel-locking Slider.
The Volunteer Fireman. 🧑🚒🚒 pic.twitter.com/pJyuzq2jDk
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 14, 2022
As was the case with his record-breaking fastball, Joyce’s outing had the college baseball world talking.
This just looks different. Goodness. https://t.co/bCiy0CUOrr
— Swaz_ee_land ☮️ (@swaz_ee_land) May 14, 2022
Sheeeesh 🔥🔥 https://t.co/dpCsukq5yM
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) May 14, 2022
That’s nasty. Slider and change up will make him very difficult at the next level https://t.co/HS7H8vsX7N
— Jacob Pratt (@jacobrpratt) May 14, 2022
Joyce threw 67 pitches today. 79% of his pitches were over 100 mph. https://t.co/mU0VMFDhkR
— baseball reddit (@baseballreddit) May 14, 2022
Most dominating and intimidating pitcher in college baseball. This is mind blowing to me. 🤯🤯 https://t.co/4PiOAmW0yG
— Chuck St. Clair (@chuckstclair11) May 14, 2022
In four innings of work, Joyce allowed three runs, surrendered three hits, walked two hitters and struck out six. Of the three hits he allowed, two were home runs. So, he has some things to improve upon.
But that kind of fastball can’t be taught. Throwing that fast and showing off that kind of command, Joyce is well ahead of the curve.
[Tennessee Baseball, Rob Friedman]
