922 V3 ch156 University Prep HS (2)

We jogged back to the dugout. The attention of the team was split between Kyle's solid performance on the mound and Garret's spectacular grab to prevent the hit. 

"Too bad Bryce isn't in the dugout with us." Sean laughed. "I'm sure he's catching a lot of grief in the bullpen. His performance against these guys definitely can't compare to Kyle today so far."

Kyle shrugged. "I'm not competing against Bryce from last year. I'm competing with myself from last year." He grinned. "And I'm feeling pretty darn good."

"Last year, you started in a hitfest." Noah mused. 

"It wasn't necessarily a 'hitfest'." Kyle argued. 

"Five runs in five innings isn't considered a hitfest?" 

"Shut up." Kyle pushed Noah away. "I need to go get ready for my at bat."

Noah laughed at his back. "Touch a nerve?"

Kyle lifted his middle finger, but kept walking to his bag. 

I nudged him. "Should you really be saying that?"