Brandon Bravata Breaks NAIA Hit-By-Pitch Record
April 27, 2009
Shreveport, La. - LSUS sophomore Brandon Bravata has officially etched his name into the national record books, becoming the NAIA single-season leader in hit-by-pitches with his 35th HBP this past weekend, breaking the old mark of 34 which was previously shared by three different players.
In his final at-bat in Friday's 10-3 victory over Spring Hill, Bravata took a 1-1 pitch off his left shoulder, sending him into the record books and down to first base courtesy of a HBP for the 35th time this season.
Bravata had been sitting on 34 HBP's for six games before finally setting the new mark last Friday. His six games without a HBP was his longest stretch of the season between HBP's. He began the season being hit by a pitch 17 times in the first 16 games, and has consecutive game HBP streaks of four, five and six games this season.
In the season opener, Bravata tied the NAIA single-game record for HBP's with three versus the University of Mobile. He achieved the same feat on March 21 when he was hit three times against LSU-Alexandria, and he has been hit by a pitch more than once in seven games.
Bravata has been the ultimate leadoff man this year, hitting at a .337 clip and helping lead the Pilots to a 39-12 regular season record. In addition to breaking the national record for HBP's, he also leads the nation in runs scored with 76 and is the LSUS team leader in stolen bases (22) and walks (45).
Bravata is the first player in LSUS history (all sports) to become a national record holder.
