Merrill Dismissed at Channel Islands After Outburst

Channel Islands High pitcher Tajah Merrill, a senior left-hander who is considered one of the finest pitching prospects in Ventura County, has been dismissed from the team, according to Coach Don Cardinal.

Merrill engaged in a shouting match with Cardinal in front of teammates after Channel Islands dropped a 13-9 decision to Simi Valley in a Marmonte League contest on Friday.

“His conduct was unbecoming of Raider baseball,” Cardinal said. “He’s not with us any more.”

Merrill finished with a 4-2 record and a 2.76 earned-run average. In 43 innings, he struck out 60, walked 19 and allowed 34 hits. Merrill could not be reached for comment.

The outburst capped a stormy two years of varsity baseball for Merrill. He left Camarillo last season after a dispute with Coach Jack Willard. Merrill’s transfer to Channel Islands prompted an investigation by the Southern Section office, which concluded that no infraction had occurred.

Against Simi Valley, Cardinal had yanked Merrill, the Raiders’ starting pitcher, in the first inning after Merrill walked three of the first five batters. Cardinal later summoned Merrill from right field to pitch again in the second inning.

Merrill was relieved again in the sixth, concluding a day in which he allowed two runs, four hits, six walks, and struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings.

Shortly after the contest, Merrill angrily questioned the decision-making ability of Cardinal, who is in his 25th year.

“He said more than he should have,” Cardinal said.

Merrill will not be reinstated for any reason, Cardinal said. “It was a tough thing to do, but it was the right thing to do.

“I just wish we could have had him for the rest of the season. He was hardly any problem all year.”

Channel Islands (14-5, 9-4) has a 1 1/2-game lead over Royal (16-5, 7-5) in the race for the league’s third and final 5-A Division playoff berth.