Rylan Mills’ walk-off grand slam seals Senior Night win for Oran

ORAN, Mo. — Oran’s Senior Night fireworks came late, but they were worth the wait as Rylan Mills crushed a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning, blasting the Eagles (8-4) to a 10-0 run-rule win over the Advance Hornets (2-11) on Wednesday, April 17.

“We just battled,” said Oran coach Joe Bickings. “We were able to identify how their pitching staff was trying to attack and our hitters made the adjustments.”

Parker Bryant was in command on the mound, tossing a five-inning shutout, striking out 11 batters while allowing just two hits.

Oran�s Rylan Mills (4) jogs home after blasting a walk-off grand slam home run to secure a 10-0 win over Advance on Senior Night at Oran High School on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“[Bryant] looked good on the mound,” Bickings said. “He was having some arm issues early on, but he came out and did all of the little things right, mechanically, which really helped him out.”

The Eagles struggled with timing against the Hornets’ breaking balls but broke through in the second inning when Nolan Loper and Cooper Bryant crossed the plate on Cooper Senciboy’s single for a 2-0 lead.

“We struggled in that first inning,” Bickings said. “[Advance pitcher] Kadon Rodgers was throwing a bunch of offspeed pitches and got us off balance. He did a really good job.”

Oran's Parker Bryant throws a pitch during a 10-0 win over Advance on Senior Night on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Oran kept the pressure on. Mills doubled to score Brenden Campbell and Rolen Heuring’s single brought Mills home to make it 4-0 in the bottom of the third inning. The Eagles tacked on another run in the fourth inning when Kole Burger scored on a bases-loaded walk.

Burger extended the lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning on a single that scored Gabe Dirnberger. The stage was set for Mills’ dramatic finish, ensuring Oran’s seniors would celebrate in style.

“Obviously, [Mills] hit it well and is a really good hitter.,” Bickings said. “He just has to keep taking that swing over and over again. That helps us out quite a bit.”

Oran's Rolen Heuring (6) throws to first base for an out during a 10-0 win on Senior Night on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Beyond the heroics on the field, this senior class will leave a lasting legacy. Bickings highlights their unique spirit and character.

“They’re a crew that is kind of different than other groups I’ve had,” he said. “They like to keep things more loose, and that’s just kind of how they are. All seven of them are going to end up phenomenal adults and do very well in society and as members of their community.”

The Eagles’ focus extends beyond wins and losses. This commitment is evident in how they approach both victory and defeat. Whether celebrating a big win or learning from a tough game, Bickings emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth.

“The biggest thing we want to do here at Oran is make sure they are a good fit for society,” Bickings said. “Whatever they end up, we want them to make sure they are a good person.”

Oran, ranked No. 4 in Class 1, will travel to Notre Dame (10-7) on Friday, April 19, and host Class 2, No. 6 Chaffee (15-2) on Monday, April 22.

“We are in a good spot but we still have to come ready to work every day,” Bickings concluded. “We have some tough games coming up and those are the types of teams that we need to see to make sure we are getting better.”

__ORAN 10, ADVANCE 0, F/5__

Advance 000 00x x — 0 2 1

Oran 022 15x x — 10 7 0

W—Parker Bryant. L—Kadon Rodgers. 2B—Oran: Rylan Mills. HR—Oran: Mills.