The Brooklyn Cyclones made history on Sept. 16, clinching their first-ever South Atlantic League Championship with a 2-1 win over the Spartanburgers at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The victory marks the franchise’s third title overall and the first since becoming a full-season affiliate.
Brooklyn closed out a flawless 4-0 postseason run, sweeping Greensboro and Hub City after notching a franchise-best 72 regular season wins and capturing the 2025 First Half North Division crown.
Pitching paved the way in the championship game. Left-hander Franklin Gomez delivered four scoreless innings before handing the ball to a steady bullpen that allowed just one run over the final five frames.
Dakota Hawkins earned the win with 2.2 strong innings, while Hoss Brewer locked down the save with a perfect ninth.
The Cyclones struck early in the third inning. John Bay tripled to lead off and scored on a Marco Vargas single. Vargas later crossed the plate on a hit from Matt Rudick, giving Brooklyn a 2-0 cushion.
Hub City broke through in the eighth with a two-out rally, cutting the lead in half, but Brewer silenced the threat and sealed the championship.
The Cyclones will defend their crown when the 2026 season opens April 3 at Maimonides Park against Hudson Valley.
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