The Milwaukee Brewers aren’t going to be judged on anything but postseason success this season. That said, their second half began on the best possible note.

Over the weekend against the Miami Marlins, the Brewers displayed their clutch chops. Sweeping a series against a team firmly in the wild card hunt was an accomplishment enough, but doing so on a pair of walk-offs displayed the kind of mettle that will benefit Milwaukee when it gets to October.

After being shut out for eight innings in Sunday’s series finale, the Brewers struck against Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks, as a furious rally concluded in a three-run home run for William Contreras. It was arguably the high point of the season so far, but with 63 games to go, everything from this point forward becomes a more important tune-up.

Brewers pass early second-half test against Miami

The Brewers obviously expect Contreras to be among the most important bats for them in the second half, so to get such a dramatic, explosive swing from him early in the second half is a reassuring sign. But so many other things happened in this series that the Brewers could take heart in as well.

How about the fact that neither Jacob Misiorowski, nor Kyle Harrison, nor even Brandon Sproat, had anything to do with this series? The Brewers hope all three of those arms pass tests in the second half (Harrison’s health first and foremost) and perhaps that might even be the playoff rotation.

But Logan Henderson, Shane Drohan, and Robert Gasser brought their A-game in this series. The Brewers bullpen did Brewers bullpen things, leading to Craig Yoho’s first major league win in Game 1.

Now, Misiorowski and Sproat will get their chances to make their mark on the second half in the upcoming series against Freddy Peralta and the New York Mets. Peralta, who used to hold Misiorowski’s role as ace of the staff, was traded for Sproat in January.

Will the Brewers keep on passing tests? At 62-37, they’re blitzing their way to a fifth division title in six seasons, but they know nothing counts until the calendar flips to October.

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MILWAUKEE – Besides the waves and the water, it is usually the weather bringing folks out to the beach.

Milwaukee beach packed

What they’re saying:

“It’s beautiful outside today, sunshine,” said Ryan Scott, a beachgoer.

“It’s hot and sunny,” said Conor O’Keef, another beachgoer.

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Hundreds came out to Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach on Saturday. Those on the sand said the clear skies, low 80s, and clean air are a good change of pace from the past couple of days.

“Yesterday, it seemed no one was down here, but today it seems it’s cleared up a lot,” said Mio Demichele, a beachgoer.

Wildfire smoke in Milwaukee

The backstory:

On Thursday – Milwaukee’s sky was taken over by drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires. It helped Milwaukee register the worst air quality it has ever recorded.

“It’s been making me cough, and it’s awful.” said Antonia Aguilera, who was visiting Milwaukee. “I’m glad that today is at least, so far, has been pretty okay.” 

Saturday was fun in the sun – at least for the moment.

“You can already kind of see some of the smoke coming around in the tree area,” Aguilera said.

The poor air quality returned Saturday evening. It was a bummer for visitors – like Chelsea Kramen and Aguilera.

“I’m not shocked. It’s a little upsetting because we plan on being out here all day tomorrow too, but we’ll make it work,” Kramen said.

Why is wildfire smoke back?

What we know:

Weather experts said the recent cold front pulled the smoke back into the area.

By 7:30 Saturday night, the air quality reached 175, falling into the unhealthy category. This is especially true for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens.

“I definitely think it’s a big concern for, I mean, the wildlife out here in Milwaukee, the people who are living outdoors and don’t have somewhere to go with a roof over their heads and get away from all of this stuff,” said Anna Davidson, a beachgoer.

When will air quality improve?

What’s next:

The Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide air quality advisory until noon Monday, when beachgoers said hopefully the smoke will clear for good.

Health experts advise if you are in those sensitive groups, you should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling.

Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6’s reporter and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.

MILWAUKEE – Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels

There is a chance for a few showers/storms early Saturday with the passing of a cold front. As a lake breeze kicks in this afternoon, a few more could develop along it.
The cold front will help drag wildfire smoke down to the surface. Plan on increasing smoky skies Saturday afternoon and evening. Wildfire smoke can linger on Sunday due to an easterly wind. Smoke should become less on Monday.
High temperatures reach the upper 80s on Saturday, low 80s on Sunday, and back to the upper 80s on Monday.
There is a higher chance for stronger storms on Monday afternoon and evening.

Today:    Isolated morning rain/storm. Warm and humid. Smoky skies in the afternoon/evening.
High:     89°
Wind:     WNW 5-15

Tonight:  Smoky skies
Low:      64°
Wind:     NE 5-10

Sunday:   Partly sunny and cooler. Smoky skies again.
High:     83°
Wind:     E 5-10

Monday:   Chance for t-storms. Windy, warm and humid.
AM Low:   65°                   High:  88°
Wind:     SW 10-20

Tuesday:  Partly sunny.
AM Low:   68°                   High:  83°
Wind:     NW 10-15

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler and less humid.
AM Low:   60°                   High:  77°
Wind:     N 5-10

Thursday: Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   56°                   High:  83°
Wind:     S  5-10
 

6-day planner

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Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:  

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We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

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When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

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