Chapter 793 - V3 ch28 (Challenges 1) (1/2)

”There's another anomaly on this list.” Kyle pointed out once we got in the car to head home.

”What is it?” Noah peeked over his shoulder to look.

”Robbie.” Kyle pointed at one of the names. ”Looks like a pair of anomalies. He's pairing up with that freshman catcher, Oscar.”

Dave started to drive. ”Hmm. That is indeed strange. I would even rank that higher than Garret wanting to challenge Jake. He hasn't tried until now. So why?”

”Because time is running out?” Noah suggested.

Kyle slowly shook his head. He turned to give me the paper back. ”Watch out for this guy, Jake.” He thought back for a second. ”You'll recognize him from that time Noah's scrimmage went too long. He was there watching beside us.”

I nodded. I remember. ”What does he throw?”

Kyle twisted his lips. ”A little bit of everything, but it's not like he's particularly good at any of them.”

I stared at him blankly.

”He can throw it all.” Dave said. ”A curve, screw, slider. He just makes it up as he goes.”

”I don't remember him that much.” Noah spoke up. ”I think I've only faced him a couple of times, and pretty sure I got out. But in my defense, I wasn't good at hitting then.”

”You're not good now either.” Kyle laughed.

Noah pinched him.

”Ow!” Kyle rubbed his shoulder. ”You being this aggressive just shows that I'm right.”

Dave pulled into the driveway of our home. ”I don't know. You haven't seen Noah put in work at the cages.”

Kyle rolled his eyes. ”I see him everyday at practice. I can see the improvement.” He hopped out first and headed for the front door with his bags.

”I hope to play against him tomorrow.” Noah grinned.

***

Friday after school, we gathered and warmed up normally. For the most part. A good part of the pitchers and almost all of the catchers separated from us in order to start warming up for their pitching.

”Do us a favor and don't lose to Garret.” Dave whispered as we stretched. ”I can't imagine how big his head will get if he strikes you out.”

I nodded. ”I'll do my best.”

Dave grinned and reached out to slap my shoulder. ”I believe in you.”

Coach took over, announcing the scrimmage teams taking place on the lower fields. My challenge would take place on the upper freshmen field because it had more space for the others to warm up. The field didn't matter to me. In fact, I liked the idea that Garret wouldn't get to be on the mound that he's most comfortable with.

Noah was also satisfied. Coach had put him on Dave's team...facing Kyle.

Coach came over to specifically talk to the twins. ”I don't want any wild pitches. You even show signs of losing your control, I'll have the coaches pull you boys. I want to hear about a quality competition between you two. Not a fight.” He looked down at Noah. ”That goes for you too. No wild plays or doing anything dangerous that might cause an injury.”

Noah grinned. ”Coach, I'm not that kind of player anymore.”

Coach narrowed his eyes at him.

Noah straightened up. ”I mean, I was never that kind of player. That kind of vibe isn't suitable for baseball.”

Coach rolled his eyes. ”Don't make me regret this.” He looked at the twins. ”Batters from both sides are varsity caliber so take it seriously, just don't go above and beyond.”