July 18, 2009: 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.

YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED: Merklinger got his first save since the 2007 season on June 25 against the Peoria Chiefs. He pitched three scoreless innings and struck out four for the second save of his professional career.

IT AIN’T OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER: Merklinger pitched five innings in the rain at Burlington on July 7. He allowed one run on three hits, walked none, and struck out five. The game was suspended in the top of the sixth inning with the score tied 1-1. It will be resumed on August 25 when the Rattlers return to Burlington.

LAST START: Merklinger beat South Bend on July 12 at Time Warner Cable Field. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings and struck out six.

VS. LANSING: Merklinger is making his first ever appearance against the Lugnuts.

VS. TORONTO: Merklinger has never faced an affiliate of the Blue Jays before tonight.

ON THE SHELF: Merklinger went on the disabled list after the start at Clinton on April 17. He rejoined the Timber Rattlers active roster in early June.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.2 (2x – Last: vs. Clinton 7/2/2009)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/2008)