Zammarelli sets offensive pace for AquaSox

Nick Zammarelli was proud of his first career four-hit game, but he was even happier with what he was able to do for his team with those hits.

"It's not always about just getting hits and stuff," he said. "It's about moving guys over and getting guys in when you have to. And I think the fact that I had a sac fly helped, too. The hits come when you put the ball in play."

The Mariners' eighth-round pick went 4-for-4 with three RBIs on Saturday as Class A Short Season Everett stomped Spokane, 10-3, at Everett Memorial Stadium.

"It feels great anytime you can have a multi-hit game at this level, it's an accomplishment," Zammarelli said. "But just to be able to get four hits and help the team put up some runs is really big for me. I'm just glad to be part of it and help the team win."

The 21-year-old first baseman singled in the first, second, fourth and seventh innings while adding a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

The four hits shook off a difficult Friday night for both Zammarelli and his AquaSox teammates, who totaled five hits and were shut out twice in a doubleheader sweep by Eugene. 

"Baseball is one of those games where we are fortunate enough to have quick turnarounds and have a short memory," he said. "So things like yesterday happen. I know it's only Short Season, but it's still a long season for us and games like that do happen. The way we bounced back today really speaks volumes about the group of guys we have and the chemistry that we have going on."

Zammarelli has had a pair of three-hit games already since getting drafted out of Elon College, where he was an All-American this past season. He also was taken by the Red Sox in the 28th round three years ago, but passed on the chance to start his professional career at age 18, despite being a Rhode Island native.

"This first month is great," he said. "It's, at some points, a little more than I expected. Obviously, people say it's a grind and whatnot being out here every day, but I feel like going to college definitely prepared me for this. I couldn't ask for it any other way, I'm just proud to be a part of this organization."

Helping him go through the process is Mariners' first-round pick and Zammarelli's roommate, Kyle Lewis. The 20-year-old outfielder went 2-for-3 with three walks and four runs scored while hitting his third homer of the season on Saturday.

"He's a great guy to be around," Zammarelli said. "Me, Bryson Brigman and Kyle Lewis were on the same team last time we were in the Cape Cod League, so I've known Kyle for a while now. He's always that guy where he comes in the clubhouse, walks through the door and always has a smile on his face, no matter if he goes 0-for-5 or 5-for-5. He's just one of those guys that spreads the happiness around and you can definitely tell that catches on other players.

"So whenever you have a guy like that, especially with a first-rounder, you don't know what to expect, but a guy like Kyle definitely helps the team on and off the field. He's my best friend out there, so whatever he does, I basically do, too. He's definitely the type of guy you want to hang out with and he makes you get better."

Eric Filia also chipped in three hits for Everett, while four other AquaSox tacked on two hits apiece.

Elliot Surrey and Brandon Miller both allowed three hits and struck out four for the AquaSox with Surrey (1-0) picking up the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Miller, who went the first four frames.