I think the HBP has to do with the rule change. You no longer have to make an attempt to get out of the way. Stand your ground now equals crowd the plate and take one for the team.
I have been watching a bunch of college softball (shout out to watchespn.com), and while I have seen quite a few walks and hit batters, if you ask me the umpires as squeezing the strike zone, and the UF batters are leaning into the plate! LOL
We are already into the second half of the college season in conference play.Every year the pitchers are wild at the beginning...
I think the HBP has to do with the rule change. You no longer have to make an attempt to get out of the way. Stand your ground now equals crowd the plate and take one for the team.