Milwaukee Milkmen Advance to East Division Championship Series Following Award-Winning Season

Milkmen move one step closer to Miles Wolff Cup as Anthony Barone and Jhordany Mezquita earn top American Association honors

After defeating the Cleburne Railroaders in the opening round of the 2026 Miles Wolff Cup Playoffs, the Milkmen have advanced to the East Division Championship Series, where they will face the Kane County Cougars in a best-of-five series with a trip to the Miles Wolff Cup Final on the line.

The playoff advancement continues an outstanding 2026 season for Milwaukee. The Milkmen finished the regular season 58-42, captured the American Association East Division title and earned the division’s No. 1 seed, improving by 13 wins from their 45-55 finish in 2025.

Milwaukee’s success was also recognized with two of the American Association’s top individual honors.

Milkmen Field Manager Anthony Barone was named the 2026 American Association Manager of the Year after leading Milwaukee back to the top of the East Division. Barone, who has managed the Milkmen since 2020, previously guided Milwaukee to the franchise’s first American Association championship in his first season at the helm.

On the mound, left-hander Jhordany Mezquita was named the 2026 American Association Pitcher of the Year following a dominant regular season. Mezquita finished 12-1 with a league-best 2.90 ERA, striking out 105 batters over 102.1 innings. His 12 victories also led the American Association.

Mezquita carried that success directly into the postseason, earning the victory in Game 1 of Milwaukee’s opening-round series against Cleburne.

Now the Milkmen turn their attention to the defending champion Kane County Cougars and the East Division Championship Series.

EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game 1 — Monday, Sept. 14
Milwaukee at Kane County

Game 2 — Tuesday, Sept. 15
Milwaukee at Kane County

Game 3 — Thursday, Sept. 17
Kane County at Milwaukee — Franklin Field

Game 4 — Friday, Sept. 18
Kane County at Milwaukee — Franklin Field, if necessary

Game 5 — Saturday, Sept. 19
Kane County at Milwaukee — Franklin Field, if necessary

The winner of the best-of-five series will be crowned East Division champion and advance to the Miles Wolff Cup Final.

$10 PLAYOFF GROUP TICKETS

As the Milkmen continue their championship run, fans have an affordable way to experience playoff baseball together at Franklin Field.

For the East Division Championship Series, groups of 10 or more can attend for just $10 per person.

The special playoff group offer is available for teams, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, families, groups of friends and other organizations looking to experience postseason baseball together.

Fans can learn more and request their group outing at MilwaukeeMilkmen.com/groups.

Individual tickets and complete information for upcoming Milkmen playoff games are available at MilwaukeeMilkmen.com/events.

Free parking is available at Franklin Field.

ABOUT THE MILWAUKEE MILKMEN

The Milwaukee Milkmen are a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an MLB Partner League. The Milkmen play their home games at Franklin Field at Ballpark Commons in Franklin, Wisconsin. Milwaukee captured the American Association championship in 2020 and continues its pursuit of a second Miles Wolff Cup in 2026.

For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit MilwaukeeMilkmen.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Van McNeil
Milwaukee Milkmen
(414) 418-2679
vanm@rocventures.org