Yankees' first-round ace somehow looked even more dominant in latest start

New York Yankees fans probably didn't think 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess could look any better than he did in his professional debut earlier this season. But you know who definitely still thought he had room to grow? Ben Hess.

The burly 'Bama hurler laid plain in an interview he gave earlier this season that any pitching prospect who doesn't see themselves as an ace is doing their development a disservice. In order to maximize your potential, you need to construct the new heights you're aiming for high enough to be worth your time. And, after a minor speed bump, Hess hurtled down the tracks at an all-new top speed on Thursday evening.

Bending his curve immaculately and riding high on the heater, Hess dotted his way to nine strikeouts and a 17-batter stretch of donuts.

By the end of the one-hitter (a no-no entering the seventh), he'd lowered his opponents' batting average all the way down to .136, walking just a single batter two starts after walking a calamitous six in 3 2/3 frames. It seems like whatever Hess corrected and harnessed helped him quickly level up.

Yankees top draft pick Ben Hess mowed down Wilmington hitters in ridiculous High-A no-hit bid

Certainly, the promise the Yankees saw in Hess' underwhelming (but strikeout-filled) final collegiate season is beginning to manifest itself. Honestly, this may be even quicker than the Yankees intended.

If you head to a Renegades game and happen to miss Hess' turn in the rotation, odds are you'll still see some pretty ridiculous pitching feats to make it worth your while. The 'Gades also feature Bryce Cunningham, Carlos Lagrange, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, Kyle Carr and Bryce Warrecker in their rotation mix.

Cunningham, 2024's second-rounder, has maintained a 2.10 ERA through five starts. Rodriguez-Cruz, brought over from Boston in the Carlos Narvaez deal, has a 2.25 mark through five outings (with 35 Ks in 28 innings). Lagrange tops 100 and has 41 Ks in 25 1/3 innings as he gets his sea legs under him at High-A.

Hess, in a veritable toolshed of minor-league arms, still stands out among the rest — just as he intended to from the moment he was selected. Might've happened sooner than he thought. Might've also been right on time.