July 2, 2009: Tonight's starter

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 the start on June 10 against the Kane County Cougars. He allowed four runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings for a no decision. Merklinger walked two and struck out five.

LAST APPEARANCE: Merklinger pitched three scoreless innings against Peoria on June 25. He walked one, allowed two hits, and struck out four to pick up the save.

YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED: That was the first save for Merklinger since the 2007 season. It was his second save of his professional career.

VS. CLINTON: Merklinger took the loss at Clinton on April 17. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over three innings. Merklinger struck out five in the game.

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 (@ Kane County 6/10/2009)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (vs. Hagerstown 7/3/2008)