Mills' bomb propels Oran to Class 1 Final Four

Teammates congratulate Rylan Mills after his solo home run in Oran's 1-0 win at Norwood in the Class 1 Quarterfinal Round on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Chrissy Daniel-Campbell

NORWOOD, Mo. — Rylan Mills’ sixth-inning solo home run proved to be the knockout punch in a tense pitching duel, lifting Oran to a 1-0 victory over Norwood in the MSHSAA Class 1 Quarterfinal Round on Wednesday, May 22. 

The No. 4 Eagles (18-5) secured their 16th Final Four berth in program history with the win over the Pirates (13-12), adding another chapter to their rich baseball tradition.

“Mills came through clutch at the plate for the team,” said Oran coach Joe Bickings, who is leading the Eagles to a Final Four appearance for the fourth time. “But we also had the pitching and defense working.”

The game was a stalemate for much of the contest, with both teams showcasing stellar defensive plays and outstanding pitching.

Oran threatened to break through in the first inning with back-to-back singles from Brenden Campbell and Mills, but a double play snuffed out the rally.

“We had an opportunity in the first inning,” Bickings said. “We had runners on first and second with one out. But give credit to Norwood pitcher Laken Coatney because he was able to get out of a jam. We hit a pretty hard ball to the second baseman, who was able to turn two and it took the winds out of our sails a little bit.”

Nolan Loper's line drive single in the second inning also failed to produce a run, as did a scoring opportunity in the fourth when Gabe Dirnberger and Parker Bryant reached base.

Norwood's lone scoring chance came in the top of the fifth inning, but Dirnberger's quick reaction and pinpoint throw to second base thwarted their attempt.

“Norwood started off the inning with a walk and then bunted the baserunner over,” Bickings said. “They hit a comebacker to Dirnberger on the mound, who was able to catch it, turn and backpick the kid on second base who had taken too big of a lead.”

Mills delivered the game-winner in the bottom of the sixth. Working a 2-0 count, he launched a towering shot over the left field wall, shattering the scoreless tie.

“He put a good swing on it,” Bickings said. “When he hit it, I thought it was going foul but somehow he kept it fair. The crowd went silent and it took everyone’s breath away.”

For Mills, a junior in his first season of high school baseball after being homeschooled, the moment was doubly special. It marked not only a pivotal playoff win but also showcased the potential of a player quickly rising on the radar of college baseball programs.

“It’s been awesome having Mills on the team,” Bickings said. “He is a great kid and leader. He’s talented, fundamentally sound and he’s taken charge of the pitching staff from behind the plate. It’s been a big boost.”

Dirnberger closed out the game in the seventh, securing the victory with a strikeout for the final out of the game. He finished with a complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits while striking out six and walking two.

“[Dirnberger] threw a phenomenal game for us,” Bickings added.

Oran will now face No. 9 Green City (19-7) at in the state semifinals on Monday, May 27, marking the team’s third meeting in the Final Four since 2018.

The Eagles won both previous matchups, 7-1 in 2018 and 10-3 in 2021, with each victory helping to propel them to a state title. 

“It’s nice to be back up there,” Bickings said. “But it’s still a business trip for us. Three other teams are fighting for the same thing we want and it will be a battle. 

“Every year is a new experience,” he continued. “It’s awesome for our community and our kids because you never know when you’ll get back if you’ll ever get back. We’ll never take anything lightly.”

ORAN 1, NORWOOD 0

W—Gabe Dirnberger. L—Laken Coatney. HR—Oran: Rylan Mills.