June 10: Tonight's 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 first start since on April 17 with a start against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Time Warner Cable Field on June 5. He pitched six scoreless innings against the Kernels, allowed four hits and struck out six for his first Midwest League win.

ON THE SHELF: Merklinger went on the disabled list after the start at Clinton on April 17. He is making his first appearance since being activated off the DL earlier this week.

VS. KANE COUNTY: Tonight is Merklinger’s first appearance against the Cougars.

VS. ATHLETICS: Merklinger has never faced an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (5x – Last: vs. Cedar Rapids 6/5/2009)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/2008)