Osprey land 8th round pick Marzilli

The Missoula Osprey, in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, have announced today that Evan Marzilli, the 8th round selection for the D-backs in the 2012 MLB Draft, will begin his professional baseball career in Missoula.

Marzilli has played for the past three seasons for the University of South Carolina, playing for the two-time national champions, who defended their title in the College World Series last month, falling to eventual champion Arizona in the title series.

Going back to his high school career, Marzilli has played for either a state or national championship each of the past five seasons, helping earn his team the title four times. Marzilli was also named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team in 2010 and 2012, and named this past spring to the SEC All-Defensive Team.

This past spring, Marzilli hit .284 with 14 doubles, four triples, a pair of home runs, 32 RBIs and 51 runs scored, plus stole a team-high 13 bases while starting all 69 games in center field. Marzilli also tied the Gamecocks' single-season record for sacrifice flies in a season with eight. Marzilli batted .302 in his three collegiate seasons.

Tickets for all remaining home game this season are available now at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.