The runner-up at the College World Series a season ago, Virginia came into the season ranked in the top five of several national preseason polls. But a rash of injuries and a youthful roster contributed to the Cavaliers losing four ACC series since beginning league play in March, one more than the last two seasons combined.
Of greater concern to Coach Brian O’Connor is that Virginia (22-14, 7-11 ACC) has gotten away from the formula that has gotten it to the NCAA tournament in each of his 11 seasons.
“Our pitching has not been consistently at the level that we’ve had in the past, and tied to that, our defense as well,” O’Connor said.