Purdue pitcher Shane Bryant joins Kalamazoo Growlers pitching staff

The Kalamazoo Growlers have added another pitcher to their staff for the 2014 season. Shane Bryant, a junior at Purdue University, becomes the second pitcher signed to the Growlers roster.

Shane Bryant: 6’3” – 200lb, B/R-T/R, RHP, Purdue (Jr.), Lafayette, Ind.shane-bryant

Bryant will be starting his first year as a member of Purdue baseball after transferring from NAIA division Indiana Wesleyan University this fall. He was a key part of a rotation that went 17-13 and finished fourth in Crossroads League conference play.

The 6-3, 200 pound right-handed pitcher played in 12 games including 11 starts for Indiana Wesleyan. Bryant compiled a 7-3 record for the Wildcats with a 4.21 ERA, while eating up 72.2 innings. His seven wins led the team, while his ERA and innings total ranked second among the team’s starters. While his pitches are not overpowering, Bryant has shown a strong ability to get hitters out.

Bryant’s best qualities are his durability and endurance; he was at his best late in the 2013 season for the Wildcats. His complete game shutout against Goshen secured a spot in the Crossroads League tournament. Bryant allowed only 6 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 6 batters through 7 full innings. A week later, Bryant picked up the win against Marian in a win or go home situation during the Crossroads League tournament.

For the Boilermakers, Bryant will likely come out of the bullpen and continue developing his secondary pitches. The Growlers coaching staff expects Bryant to play a similar role in Kalamazoo. Purdue began their season this past weekend against the Tennessee Volunteers, and will take on the Rice Owls in a three-game series this weekend.