Current:Home > BackAngels’ Ben Joyce throws a 105.5 mph fastball, 3rd-fastest pitch in the majors since at least 2008-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Angels’ Ben Joyce throws a 105.5 mph fastball, 3rd-fastest pitch in the majors since at least 2008
View Date:2024-12-23 14:08:10
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels rookie reliever Ben Joyce threw a 105.5 mph fastball on Tuesday night that was the fastest pitch in the majors this season and the third-fastest in the pitch-tracking era since 2008.
Joyce’s blazing fastball struck out Tommy Edman to end the Los Angeles Dodgers’ half of the ninth inning with the fastest pitch thrown for a strikeout in the pitch-tracking era. The hard-throwing Joyce also threw a 105.5 mph pitch in college at Tennessee, but his fastest pitch in the majors had been a 104.5 mph fastball.
Aroldis Chapman threw a 105.8 mph fastball in September 2010 and a 105.7 mph pitch in July 2016. Only Chapman and Jordan Hicks had touched 105 mph in a major league game during the pitch-tracking era before Joyce joined them, according to Statcast.
Joyce said he had a little extra oomph from the bipartisan sellout crowd attending the Angels’ 6-2 loss to the Dodgers. He also threw fastballs clocked at 104.4, 104.0, 103.6 and 103.0 mph — three of them to Will Smith, who struck out on four pitches — during his blazing ninth inning.
“Just a big-time game,” Joyce said. “A lot of fans were all into it, so I feel like that kind of helped a little bit. ... You could feel it the whole time. The stadium was almost shaking at times. It was a cool environment, for sure.”
Joyce’s 1-2-3 ninth kept the game tied 2-2 before the Dodgers rallied to win in the 10th against reliever Roansy Contreras.
This story is featured in our One Notable Number series, which spotlights the key numbers leading our coverage.
Take a look at more Notable Numbers here.
You can also read more ONEs:
- One Extraordinary Photo
- One Must Read
- One Tech Tip
“It was two strikes, (so) I just tried to give it everything I had,” Joyce said of his 105.5 mph pitch. “I didn’t really notice the difference (compared to other fastballs). I thought I threw a few other ones harder, to be honest, so it was kind of surprising to see that (on the scoreboard).”
Joyce smiled to himself after seeing the speed on the scoreboard while leaving the mound.
“Oh my goodness,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I’m just happy that I was 90 feet away from the batter’s box. That’s uncomfortable.”
Only Chapman, Hicks and Jhoan Duran had thrown pitches recorded at 104.5 mph or faster in this era before they were joined this season by Joyce, who pitched 10 innings for the Angels in 2023. He has been excellent in his second season in the majors, posting a 2.08 ERA in 31 appearances.
And even after his latest triple-digit feat, Joyce believes he has more speed in his future.
“I would like to think I could throw a little harder,” Joyce said with a grin.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
veryGood! (815)
Related
- Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and More React to Craig Melvin Replacing Hoda Kotb as Co-Anchor
- 4-year-old Michigan girl struck and run over by golf cart after fire department's dog lies down on vehicle's gas pedal
- Top 25 rankings: A closer look at every team in college football's preseason coaches poll
- As the East Coast braces for severe thunderstorms, record heat sears the South
- Democrat George Whitesides wins election to US House, beating incumbent Mike Garcia
- When does 'The Amazing Race' start? Season 35 premiere date, time, how to watch
- Two rivals claim to be in charge in Niger. One is detained and has been publicly silent for days
- Month-old walrus rescued 4 miles inland: Watch him get 'round-the-clock' care and cuddles
- Jana Kramer’s Ex Mike Caussin Shares Resentment Over Her Child Support Payments
- 'Less lethal shotguns' suspended in Austin, Texas, after officers used munitions on 15-year-old girl
Ranking
- Panel advises Illinois commemorate its role in helping slaves escape the South
- 'A full-time job': Oregon mom's record-setting breastmilk production helps kids worldwide
- Missouri man sentenced to prison for killing that went unsolved for decades
- Sandra Bullock's Longtime Partner Bryan Randall Dead at 57
- Why was Jalen Ramsey traded? Dolphins CB facing former team on 'Monday Night Football'
- Mega Millions jackpot estimated at record $1.55 billion for Tuesday's drawing
- Volunteers head off plastic waste crisis by removing tons of rubbish from Hungarian river
- What could break next?
Recommendation
-
Best fits for Corbin Burnes: 6 teams that could match up with Cy Young winner
-
'A full-time job': Oregon mom's record-setting breastmilk production helps kids worldwide
-
Bachelor Nation’s Jason Tartick “Beyond Heartbroken” After Kaitlyn Bristowe Breakup
-
Nearly all teens on Idaho YMCA camp bus that crashed have been released to their families
-
Zendaya Shares When She Feels Extra Safe With Boyfriend Tom Holland
-
Loch Ness Centre wants new generation of monster hunters for biggest search in 50 years
-
Have we reached tipping fatigue? Bars to coffee shops to carryouts solicit consumers
-
Why Russell Brand Says Time of Katy Perry Marriage Was Chaotic Despite His Affection for Her