Originally published March 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 22, 2007 at 4:17 PM
Prep Fastpitch | Kennedy, Merlich blank Kentwood 2-0
It may have been the season opener, but Kennedy ace Karli Merlich proved to be in midseason form Thursday. Merlich delivered a two-hit gem...
Special to The Seattle Times
KENT — It may have been the season opener, but Kennedy ace Karli Merlich proved to be in midseason form Thursday.
Merlich delivered a two-hit gem and struck out 16 in a 2-0 nonleague win over Kentwood at Service Club Ballfields.
But it wasn't all Merlich's arm. The left-handed junior also delivered with the bat, driving in one run with a triple off the center-field fence and scoring the other run.
"I just felt ready to get out of the gym," said Merlich, who already has verbally committed to play softball at Texas Tech.
The two-hit, 16-strikeout performance wasn't anything out of the ordinary for Merlich, who posted a 0.00 earned-run average last year while striking out 203 batters in 123 innings.
"The 16 strikeouts were good ... but 20 would've been better," Merlich deadpanned. "I'm satisfied."
Though Kentwood (0-1) is expected to challenge for the South Puget Sound League North Division crown, it was clear in the early innings that Merlich and the Lancers (1-0) would have their way.
Merlich retired the first four batters she faced — three by strikeout — and didn't allow a hit until two outs in the third, when Kentwood's Liane DeHart legged out a bunt single.
Merlich helped Kennedy get all the runs it would need in the first inning. She walked to open the inning, moved to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a single to left field by Brittany Montgomery.
In the third, Merlich pushed Kennedy's lead to 2-0 by roping an RBI triple that one-hopped off the center-field fence, scoring Maggie Whaley.
"I haven't seen all the players in the state, but she's got to be one of the top," said Kennedy coach Dino Josie, whose team is a favorite to win the Seamount League crown. "I wouldn't trade her for anybody in the state. I think she is the best."
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 11:08 AM
Sounders FC's Fredy Montero named MLS Newcomer of the Year
Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
Seahawks believe running game is picking up speed
For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
5 keys to the Huskies' men's basketball season

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
261 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
261 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
201 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
172 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
147 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
128 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
90 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
83 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
83 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
71
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene








