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A walk-off win in game one, a walk-off loss in game two and an extra-inning classic in game three was the first look for many Grandview baseball players who made their postseason debut against Whitney.
For others, including Drew Milner, it was their first playoff win with the program.
Milner scored the go-ahead run in game three by lasering a double into center field in the eighth inning. It was his first and only at-bat of the contest.
“That was just an awesome moment," said Milner. "I was just looking for something to drive middle away. I was waiting for my moment all day and I got it.”
During Whitney's final chance to keep its season alive, a bunt attempt by the Wildcats with one out and a runner at first was popped up in front of pitcher Owen Moore.
“Before that batter, I told coach [Josh] Harris ‘last one,’” Moore said. Harris replied with, "Roll two for me then."
Moore reacted in time for the catch and turned to throw to first for the double play that sealed the Zebra win.
“We don’t get too high, too low. We don’t ride the mental roller coaster,” Moore stated.
Those words were tested during the intense bi-district round series, but Grandview's mentality dates back to when Harris arrived before the 2025 season.
Harris emphasized the importance of being a player-led team and recalled speaking to his juniors at the time during end-of-year conversations about their goals for 2026.
“Those guys really took it to heart and ran with it,” said Harris.
Although it took time for players to set the mold for the program, Harris' words of individual effort, combined with team atmosphere, is paying off this season.
“The team chemistry this year has really come together and I think that’s helped us out a lot.”
The Zebras suffered a bump in the road during tournament season, especially during the third and final stretch of games at West High School.
Harris informed his players that easier tournaments would not prepare Grandview for a tough district schedule and playoff run, meaning the Zebras would face many difficult opponents.
“You’re gonna take some lumps, you’re gonna take some bruises. That’s baseball," Harris said.
The most important thing the Zebras learned during that time was to embrace short-term memory.
Well under .500 in tournaments following a pair of losses on the final day at West, the team was at a breaking point, Milner recalled.
What followed was a talk on the bus led by the players that began a turning point for Grandview. Moreover, it was the birth of the plowboys.
Known as a spirit organization at all Tarleton State athletic events, the Zebras incorporated elements of the group into their program, thanks to future Texan and potential plowboy, Barron Dixson.
"He’s a fun guy to be around. He’s a character," said Milner on Dixson.
“We just have fun with it," said Moore on the plowboy mindset. "We go into every day, every practice, having fun.”
After the talk on the bus, Moore and Milner also made it a point to be leaders. Milner learned to step into that role, while Moore used his time as team captain for Grandview basketball to preach team accountability.
District 18-3A play followed, where Grandview went on a tear. Scoring double digits in nine out of 15 games, the Zebras went on a 14-game win streak to run away with a district title, a time when both Moore and Milner agreed it was the most fun they've had playing baseball.
"I think we're unstoppable," said Milner on the team playing the way they did in districts.
Despite clutching up against Whitney, the Zebra pair recognized that the team didn't play their best against the Wildcats and are ready to throw the emotions of an intense series out the window ahead of their area round matchup with Groesbeck.
Base-running mistakes and hitting struggles stood out to the two during their first-round games, which Harris hopes to turn into teachable moments for his young players and continue to be the calming presence to the Zebras.
According to Moore, lowering the zone and being hard outs versus the Goats are keys to an area championship.
Although he was one of the heroes against Whitney, Milner wants his teammates to remember that doesn't need to be the case.
“We don’t need everybody to be a hero. If you come up in that big moment and it’s your turn to hit, then go for it. But, you just have to have faith in the next guy.”
They begin their series against Groesbeck Wednesday at 6 p.m. The game will be held at Alvarado High School.
Continue reading...
For others, including Drew Milner, it was their first playoff win with the program.
Milner scored the go-ahead run in game three by lasering a double into center field in the eighth inning. It was his first and only at-bat of the contest.
“That was just an awesome moment," said Milner. "I was just looking for something to drive middle away. I was waiting for my moment all day and I got it.”
During Whitney's final chance to keep its season alive, a bunt attempt by the Wildcats with one out and a runner at first was popped up in front of pitcher Owen Moore.
“Before that batter, I told coach [Josh] Harris ‘last one,’” Moore said. Harris replied with, "Roll two for me then."
Moore reacted in time for the catch and turned to throw to first for the double play that sealed the Zebra win.
“We don’t get too high, too low. We don’t ride the mental roller coaster,” Moore stated.
Those words were tested during the intense bi-district round series, but Grandview's mentality dates back to when Harris arrived before the 2025 season.
Harris emphasized the importance of being a player-led team and recalled speaking to his juniors at the time during end-of-year conversations about their goals for 2026.
“Those guys really took it to heart and ran with it,” said Harris.
Although it took time for players to set the mold for the program, Harris' words of individual effort, combined with team atmosphere, is paying off this season.
“The team chemistry this year has really come together and I think that’s helped us out a lot.”
The Zebras suffered a bump in the road during tournament season, especially during the third and final stretch of games at West High School.
Harris informed his players that easier tournaments would not prepare Grandview for a tough district schedule and playoff run, meaning the Zebras would face many difficult opponents.
“You’re gonna take some lumps, you’re gonna take some bruises. That’s baseball," Harris said.
The most important thing the Zebras learned during that time was to embrace short-term memory.
Well under .500 in tournaments following a pair of losses on the final day at West, the team was at a breaking point, Milner recalled.
What followed was a talk on the bus led by the players that began a turning point for Grandview. Moreover, it was the birth of the plowboys.
Known as a spirit organization at all Tarleton State athletic events, the Zebras incorporated elements of the group into their program, thanks to future Texan and potential plowboy, Barron Dixson.
"He’s a fun guy to be around. He’s a character," said Milner on Dixson.
“We just have fun with it," said Moore on the plowboy mindset. "We go into every day, every practice, having fun.”
After the talk on the bus, Moore and Milner also made it a point to be leaders. Milner learned to step into that role, while Moore used his time as team captain for Grandview basketball to preach team accountability.
District 18-3A play followed, where Grandview went on a tear. Scoring double digits in nine out of 15 games, the Zebras went on a 14-game win streak to run away with a district title, a time when both Moore and Milner agreed it was the most fun they've had playing baseball.
"I think we're unstoppable," said Milner on the team playing the way they did in districts.
Despite clutching up against Whitney, the Zebra pair recognized that the team didn't play their best against the Wildcats and are ready to throw the emotions of an intense series out the window ahead of their area round matchup with Groesbeck.
Base-running mistakes and hitting struggles stood out to the two during their first-round games, which Harris hopes to turn into teachable moments for his young players and continue to be the calming presence to the Zebras.
According to Moore, lowering the zone and being hard outs versus the Goats are keys to an area championship.
Although he was one of the heroes against Whitney, Milner wants his teammates to remember that doesn't need to be the case.
“We don’t need everybody to be a hero. If you come up in that big moment and it’s your turn to hit, then go for it. But, you just have to have faith in the next guy.”
They begin their series against Groesbeck Wednesday at 6 p.m. The game will be held at Alvarado High School.
Continue reading...
