CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy two-way player DJ Merriweather has been named Clarksville Now Player of the Week for his play throughout the week of April 11.
Merriweather’s effective play began against Davidson Academy in the first of a two-game series. Merriweather received the nod to start the game as Clarksville Academy’s starting pitcher. The two-way player ended up throwing for a complete game as the team won 13-2. He totaled 5 innings pitched, 10 strikeouts, 1 earned run, 2 hits and 5 walks. Merriweather said he struggled to locate his pitches to begin the game, but he found a rhythm as the game progressed.
In addition, Merriweather impacted game one against Davidson at the plate as well. He ended up with two hits, which included a triple and a home run. Merriweather’s consistent play carried over into each of the team’s remaining three matchups. He concluded the week batting .455 with two triples, two home runs, 6 RBI’s and 5 runs scored.
2022 season
Statistics show Merriweather has been one of the hottest hitters in Montgomery County during the 2022 season. He leads his team in a wide range of categories, but most notably extra base hits (19). This is due to his overall approach and mindset at the plate.
“I see the ball deep and try hit the ball gap-to-gap,” he said. “My process begins with getting my hands through the zone with the goal of making solid contact.”
| Year Total | Team Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| At-Bats | 61 | 4th |
| Hits | 36 | 1st |
| XBH | 19 | 1st |
| Doubles | 14 | 1st |
| Triples | 2 | T-1st |
| HR | 3 | T-1st |
| RBI | 31 | 1st |
| Runs | 34 | 1st |
| AVG | 0.590 | 1st |
| OBP | 0.679 | 1st |
| Slugging % | 1.033 | 1st |
| OPS | 1.711 | 1st |
Clarksville Academy head coach Dustin Smith spoke on what Merriweather means to the team saying, “First off, DJ is a fun player to coach. He does everything well, whether it’s on the mound, offensively or defensively. He also is a very bright young man and is the leader of the team. His composure has always been one thing that stands out.”
Merriweather hasn’t decided where he will attend college after graduation next year, but his ultimate goal is playing baseball right here in Tennessee. He plans to study sports science.
The Cougars have won three out of their last four games, and as of Sunday night they have an overall record of 16-6.
Christian Brown, sports reporter for Clarksville Now, can be reached at cbrown@5starradio.com or at 931-648-7720.
WEEK 4: Four homers in one week earn Rossview utility player Clarksville Now’s Player of the Week
WEEK 3: Northeast High two-way player named Clarksville Now Player of the Week
WEEK 2: Clarksville Academy infielder earns Clarksville Now Player of the Week honors
WEEK 1: Rossview outfielder named Clarksville Now Player of the Week