Cougars open MWL playoffs at home vs. Quad Cities

The Kane County Cougars will open the Midwest League playoffs at home against Quad Cities on Wednesday, with the playoffs moving to Davenport and Modern Woodmen Park to finish the best-of-three series against the River Bandits.

The River Bandits finished in first place in the Western Division with a record of 43-26 for the second half of the season while the Cougars came in second at 39-30.

This marks the Cougars' 12th postseason appearance in the franchise's 20-year history and sixth trip to the playoffs in the franchise's eight seasons as an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

The Cougars went 11-9 against Quad Cities during the regular season. Manager Aaron Nieckula has selected pitcher Murphy Smith to open Game 1. Smith (8-2, 3.64), leads the staff in wins and won his most recent start on Sept. 1, pitching seven innings without allowing a run against Peoria.

The River Bandits will open with right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller, a first-round pick of the Cardinals last year who is listed as the top prospect in the St. Louis organization, according to Baseball America. Miller faced the Cougars in five of his 24 starts this season and allowed four earned runs in 18 innings.

Here is the broadcast schedule for the first-round series: Wednesday: Kane County vs. Quad Cities, 6:30 p.m. on WBIG 1280-AM Thursday: Kane County at Quad Cities, 7 p.m. on WBIG 1280-AM Friday (if necessary): Kane County at Quad Cities, 7 p.m. on kccougars.com