CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy two-way player DJ Merriweather has been named Clarksville Now Player of the Week for his play during the week of March 27.
Merriweather is coming off a season where he was named a finalist for the Mr. Baseball Award and Clarksville Now Player of the Year, and he’s now announced he’s committed to play for Austin Peay State University.
As a batter, his average was around .556 and he had 31 total extra base hits, which included 23 doubles and 6 home runs. He also had 59 RBI’s, an on-base percentage of .655 OBP, slugging percentage of .972 and OPS of 1.628.
As a pitcher, Merriweather had 41.1 innings pitched, an ERA of 1.02 and 70 strikeouts over 8 appearances. After dominating opponents during his junior year, the Clarksville Academy senior has had his play carry into the 2022-23 season, which was on full display this past week.
Week 3 of the regular season
The Cougars played in four games during week 3 of the regular season. During their first matchup, Clarksville Academy defeated Goodpasture Christian 8-6.
While Merriweather didn’t record a hit during the contest, he found other ways to impact the game, finishing 0 for 1 with four walks and 2 runs scored.
Clarksville Academy struggled during the second game against Goodpasture. They were shutout and lost 0-11.
Merriweather went hitless and he was handed the loss after starting the game on the mound. He only pitched two innings, but during that timeframe here’s the numbers he put up: 4 hits allowed, 8 runs allowed, 1 earned run allowed, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.
APSU announcement
The day after their loss to Goodpasture, Merriweather announced that after an extensive recruiting process, he had committed to play for Austin Peay baseball under head coach Roland Fanning.
“Committing to APSU means a lot,” said Merriweather. “Just being able to stay home and play division one baseball in front of my family and friends. Not only do I want to be there, but the coaches want me there just as much.”
Then, Merriweather proceeded to bounce back in an extreme way during the final two games of the week. Following their loss, the Cougars took on Green Hill High and won 12-9. Merriweather was instrumental in the win. The senior went 3 for 4 with a double, triple, 2 runs scored and 2 runs batted in.
In their final game of the week, Clarksville Academy defeated West Vigo High 7-6. Merriweather accounted for 5 out of the team’s 7 runs batted in, which included him blasting a three-run homerun to right field to tie the game in the bottom of the 4th inning.
When it was all said and done, Merriweather went 5 for 12 with 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run, 4 walks, 5 runs scored and 8 runs batted in.
2022-23 season
According to Game Changer, Clarksville Academy has a record of 11-2 up to this point in the 2022-23 season.
Through those 13 games they’ve played, Merriweather has been a force on the offensive side of the ball, and defensively as well. After three weeks, he had a batting average of .379, on-base percentage of .550, slugging percentage of .793 and OPS of 1.343. Also, he had four doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, 16 runs batted in, 5 runs scored and he’s stolen 6 bases.
Meanwhile, Merriweather had made three appearances as a pitcher this season. Two appearances were as a relief pitcher, while he got a start in against Goodpasture Christian too.
In total, Merriweather had thrown 6 innings while only allowing 4 hits, 6 walks, 1 earned run and he had struck out 14 batters.
“This senior season means a lot because my teammates and I are working towards something that has never been done in school history and that is winning a state title,” said Merriweather.
“And I think that we have a really good chance to win it this year after only losing one player from last season and the development of our young players turning into young stars. So, I would say that my senior season means so much but not only to me, but to my teammates and the school as well.”
Coaches corner
“Coming off of last year, expectations were really high for DJ,” said Clarksville Academy Head Coach Dustin Smith. “He was runner-up for Mr. Baseball, the numbers that he put up, but the leadership he had as well. He’s kind of a silent leader. But this season he’s come out and he’s been that steady guy that we can rely on when the game is on the line. He’s always going to be that calming presence for us.
“It’s great to see DJ commit to Austin Peay, which so happens to be my alma mater as well,” Smith said. “Roland Fanning has been really good, and we’ve talked a whole lot about DJ. He’s been excited to watch DJ do some things, and it’s going to be great to be able to watch him right across the street from Clarksville Academy.”
The Cougars next game will be against the Houston Mustangs on Thursday, April 6, as the team looks to win their 12th game on the season.