Starting fast: Macy Merchant helps orchestrate fast start for CMU softball team
Sophomore Macy Merchant is the Central Michigan softball leadoff hitter.
She has one job — to score.
Most players care about their batting averages, but not Merchant. The percentage she’s worried about is on-base percentage. Other hitters boast over power numbers, home runs, slugging percentage. She is attentive on stolen bases and runs.
“I want to start the game with a bang,” Merchant said. “I want to be the one to set the tone for the game. I want to show this team ‘wow this team is going to come out on fire’ from me.”
Merchant’s .341 on-base percentage has allowed her to score a team-leading 19 runs and steal 15 bases, setting a tone for the Chippewas offense at the top of the lineup.
“Macy’s job is to get on base in whatever way,” said CMU head coach Margo Jonker. “Walk, hit, error.”
In her second season at CMU, she has relished the role.
“My goal is to get on and score the first run,” Merchant said. “That’s my goal every game. I know if I get on I have people behind me to move me and score me.”
Moving Macy is where sophomore Summer Knoop and freshman Brittney Horan come into play. They pair have switched time hitting in the No. 2 spot, right behind Merchant. They too have a very straight forward job that doesn’t have much glamour.
“When Macy is on, my goal is to get her over,” Knoop said. “Whether taking the pitch to let her steal or bunting the ball or just hitting behind her. My ultimate goal is to get her as many bases ahead during my at bat as I can.”
Wednesday’s home opener against Detroit was a perfect example as to how the Chippewas and Jonker want to get started.
Merchant flicked a pitch over the shortstops head for a single. First pitch, without hesitating, she stole second as Knoop let the pitch go by.
Then, Knoop grounded out to second base, hitting behind her, allowing Merchant to go to third base. By the time Macy Merchant’s sister, senior Brittini Merchant, came up to bat CMU only had one out and Macy was on third.
And big sister came through, hitting her home on a double to get CMU on the scoreboard early.
“In that first inning if we can get a couple of runs on the board it relieves pressure on our defense and gives our pitcher a good mindset,” Knoop said.
Macy’s ability to steal second base is a huge part of how CMU executes its first inning strategy. Her 15 steals are tied for a Mid-American Conference best, while she has only been caught stealing three times.
“When I get on right usually sends me right away,” Macy said. “It’s another way to send a message. We’re aggressive and we’re going play aggressive.”
Jonker has said if they notice that the opposing team’s catcher doesn’t have a strong arm, CMU will take advantage of that.
“If (the catcher) has a slow release then I know I’m going to make it,” Macy said. “I’m going to get there, unless they have a superb cannon.”
Macy will look set the tone in the first inning again this weekend when Toledo and Bowling Green come to Margo Jonker Stadium.
