On the sidelines: Grandview baseball's Owen Moore, Drew Milner & head coach Josh Harris

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.