Former Tennessee Vols pitcher Ben Joyce makes impressive MLB history in latest outing for Angels

The Tennessee Volunteers have a star blossoming in Major League Baseball. Ben Joyce has emerged as a top relief pitching option in the American League for the Los Angeles Angels.

Joyce just made some more league history for the pitch-tracking era. His flamethrower of a right arm is setting the league on fire in his first long-term stint in the bigs.

Ben Joyce sets record for fastest strikeout pitch

Joyce has consistently pumped triple digits with his fastball this season. What makes it tougher?

He mixes in off-speed that comes in nearly 20 MPH slower than his heater. His change of pace keeps hitters off balanced. Collegiate hitters learned that the hard way during his time in orange. Now, dawning red, Joyce is having the same effect on the pros, too.

In July, A to Z's Craig Smith explained how Joyce got back on track earlier this season.

Joyce returned to the majors in early June and started off with a scoreless outing against Detroit. However, he allowed a combined five earned runs in his next two appearances in losses to Houston and Arizona on June 8 and 11. Since then? Zero earned runs allowed over 11 appearances and 14.1 innings. For the season, he's struck out 16 and walked just 6 in 16.1 innings of work with a 2.76 ERA. -- Smith

If Joyce continues to display consistent dominance, don't be shocked if he's an MLB closer in the coming years.

Related: Los Angeles Angels RHP Ben Joyce repped the Tennessee Vols in dominant outing against the Atlanta Braves