I was wondering if using a 7'5" h/xf rod with braid would hurt the rod. I would use it for pitching, but didn't want to break a rod. Thanks!

No it should be fine. Most anglers flip and pitch with a rod around that power and action and almost always use 50 to 65 pound braid to cut the vegetation or get the fish out of hard cover as well.

I wouldn't consider using anything other than braid for that rod's intended use. My pitching rod has 50 pound braid on it and the frog rod has 65.  Like Fishnkamp said, it's all about getting the bait and fish out of the junk.

Braid is the only way to go for your flipping/pitching rod. Also the 65 pound stuff seems a little easier to manage with the thumb when you have near zero spool tension.