Bulldogs Baseball Adds Brija To 2012 Roster
8/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University head baseball coach Mark Machtolf has added another arm to his pitching staff with the signing of right-hander Sean-Luke Brija.
Brija (pronounced Bree-ya) was a three-year letterwinner at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno, Nev. He served as both a pitcher and utility player with the Miners however Machtolf would like to see him pitch more in the collegiate level. The question is what role Brija will play in 2012 when the Bulldogs take the field.
"He has a chance to either be a starter or a prominent reliever," Machtolf said. "He's got the mentality to want the ball at any time and that fits well with our program."
Brija had a stellar season as a pitcher his junior year at Bishop Manogue. He owned a 1.79 earned-run average in 31 innings pitched and in addition striking out 40 batters, he threw both a perfect game and a no-hitter which in result for his performance earned him first team All-State 4A North accolades.
He transitioned to first base and contributed to the Miners offense during his senior campaign. He compiled a league-leading .511 batting average with 15 doubles, four triples and eight home runs, guiding him to his second consecutive first team All-State 4A North honor.
Brija has a family history of playing NCAA Division I sports. His grandfather Andrew lettered in soccer and track and field at the University of San Francisco from 1953-56 and his aunts, Denise and Michelle, played volleyball at the University of the Pacific and University of Nevada, respectively. Denise also played women's basketball at Pacific.
