Former Gamecocks Evan Marzilli, Christian Walker reunited in Reno

Evan Marzilli and Christian Walker helped South Carolina win a pair of national titles and appear in another national championship series during their three years with the Gamecocks.

The two went their separate ways following the 2012 season, with Walker being drafted by the Orioles and Marzilli being drafted by the Diamondbacks. Now, they are back playing together with the Reno Aces.

Walker was picked up by the Diamondbacks in spring training and was sent to Reno, which is the home of Arizona’s Triple-A team. Marzilli spent the first few months of the season playing for the Diamondbacks’ Double-A team, the Jackson Generals in Tennessee, before being promoted to Triple-A July 31.

Walker said it has been a lot of fun to get to play with his former college teammate in professional baseball.

“Me and Evan have a great relationship. We were roommates when we were at South Carolina,” Walker told The State. “When we found out he was coming to Reno, this was the first time we’ve been on a field together since college. We get along really well. Our lockers are right beside each other. Me and Marz are really good friends. It’s just been great.”

Marzilli is hitting .299 with four doubles, two triples, a homer and 16 RBIs for Reno, while Walker is batting .312 with 34 doubles, eight triples, 32 homers and 112 RBIs.

Walker and Marzilli were a huge part of South Carolina’s national titles and three consecutive trips to the College World Series finals.

Walker was named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team all three years, while Marzilli was named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team in 2010 and 2012.

Walker added that he has seen several familiar faces from his South Carolina playing days while playing pro baseball.

“One thing I’ve learned about baseball is it’s a small world,” he said. “We’re always crossing paths with guys, even guys I played with and against in college. Since then, I’ve met so many friends and met so many people and it seems like baseball keeps you in the same circles. Every year you see familiar faces. It’s just a lot of fun.”

This story was originally published August 26, 2017 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Former Gamecocks Evan Marzilli, Christian Walker reunited in Reno."