He was throwing a tick or two harder than he did at Area Codes, where he sat 90-91.

“I was definitely pretty amped up,” the lanky 6-foot-5, 185-pound southpaw said. “And I had week off since I threw at Area Codes, so I’ve had time to prepare, play long toss, throw a pen, get some running in, so I felt really fresh tonight. And it just seemed like every event this summer my velo has gone up and up as I get more in shape and my mechanics get smoother and I get a better feel for my stuff.”

As Liberatore has grown throughout the summer, so has Gorman, and the best friends have been able to enjoy each other’s successes–particularly on Sunday night. The two hang out every weekend, spend every second with each other, and Liberatore has been the first person to run out and congratulate Gorman after every home run derby win.

“Everything we do is pretty much with each other,” Liberatore said. “We’ve pretty much had the same summer, and to see him shine like that is awesome at every single event.”

No, Gorman didn’t win a fourth straight home run derby Sunday night.

He’ll have to settle for MVP.