Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher

LHP DAN MERKLINGER: Selected by Milwaukee in the sixth round of the 2007 draft out of Seton Hall University.

LAST SEASON: Merklinger went 7-9 with the West Virginia Power in 2008. He compiled a 5.75 ERA with 98 strikeouts over 97 innings.

TURNAROUND: Merklinger lost his first five decisions last season. Before the South Atlantic League All-Star Break, Merklinger was 1-5. After the break, Merklinger went 6-4 and had a pair of three game winning streaks.

STARTING OUT: Merklinger made his professional debut with the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League during the 2007 season. He went 1-0 with a save and an ERA of 3.95 in 13 games (0 starts). Merklinger struck out 40 over 27-1/3 innings for the Brewers.

THE HALL: Merklinger played his college ball at Seton Hall and struck out 199 batters over three seasons for the Pirates.

WITH HONORS: Merklinger was Big East Pitcher of the Week three times in his college career, the Seton Hall Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year, and Seton Hall’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year.

PREP: At Seton Hall Prep, Merklinger was named to the All-Conference, All-Area, All-County, and All-State high school teams.

LAST START: Merklinger made his Timber Rattler debut against the Quad Cities River Bandits on April 11 on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Merklinger allowed two runs on three hits over 4-2/3 innings for a no decision in Wisconsin’s 3-2 win. Merklinger walked four and struck out six.

VS. CLINTON: Today will be the first time Merklinger has faced the LumberKings.

VS. SEATTLE: Merklinger is making his first appearance against an affiliate of the Mariners.

JUST POINTING IT OUT: Merklinger was 0-3 in day games during the 2008 season for the Power. He made six appearances (four starts) in day games for the Power last year and had an ERA of 4.34 in those games.

JUST POINTING THIS OUT, TOO: Merklinger’s ERA in those six day games was 4.34 compared to a 6.09 ERA and a 7-6 record in night games.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (4x – Last: vs. Kannapolis 9/1/08)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/08)