231 Stanford University: Friday 7 (1/2)

Noah puffed up his chest. ”So what? I'll be the starter for my college team too!”

Nick smirked. ”Sure you will, kid.” He looked at me. ”Let me see the reaction ball.”

I dug it out of my pocket and handed it over.

He looked back at Noah. ”It doesn't look like we can use the field right now but we could play a little in here.” He gestured to the area between the fake mounds and home plates. ”If we go across, fence to fence, that should be about the distance from a batter to a shortstop playing in towards the grass. Best out of five?”

Noah snatched the reaction ball out of his hand. ”The same person should roll or bounce it every time to keep it fair. We can just stay on the same side and switch accordingly.” He handed the ball to me. ”Here Jake. You can do it.”

I pouted and eyed my ice cream that I was still licking.

Shawn grabbed the ball out of my hand; not like I was going to fight him for it. ”I can do it. Let the kid eat. I'll throw it the same way every time. As a pitcher, I can guarantee it.”

Noah, who had been impressed with the handstand performance beforehand, acquiesced. He and Nick moved to one side of the bullpen and Shawn headed to the other side. To get out of the way, I moved to where the twins were. They were both sitting up now, with their legs crossed, ready for the mini competition between their younger brother and a college player.

”Who do you think will win?” I asked.

”Obviously Nick.” Dave snorted at my question like it was a no brainer.

”Noah is at least seven to eight years younger, half a foot shorter, and just not as experienced. You could say that Nick has played with and against future pros.” Kyle lectured.

”Can't we say the same if Zeke goes pro?” I asked, tilting my head to look at them. ”Noah said before that age is just a number. Which I believe. I'm the same age as him and nowhere near as good.”