Tom Briner, a right-handed pitcher at the University of California- Davis, has signed with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for the 2011 season.

A top reliever on an oft-struggling Aggies (3-13) club this spring, Briner has cast aside his team’s struggles and has had an impressive personal start to his 2011 spring campaign. 

Leading all pitchers in appearances and leading all relievers in innings, Briner has posted a blistering 0.71 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched.  Thus far on the spring, Briner has allowed a .143 opponent batting average and has issued only two walks, six hits, and one run- while striking out 16.  He has not allowed an extra base hit on the season.

Serving as the Aggies’ closer, Briner has recorded a save in each of UC-Davis’ victories.

A fourth-year junior, the Redding, California, native made steady statistical improvements over his first three years with the Aggies, before taking a medical redshirt shortly after his promising junior season had begun last spring. 

A communication major, Briner had a decorated prep career, and was a multi-position and two sport star at Foothill High.  An All-Redding forward in basketball, the 6-foot-2-inch Briner batted .513 with 31 RBI at third base, and posted an 8-1 record with a 1.59 ERA his senior season, earning North section MVP honors.  Briner led his high school club to Eastern Athletic League championships his sophomore and senior seasons.