Virginia Coach Brian O'Connor, front left, said of starting pitcher Connor Jones, “We wouldn’t be where we’re at right now if he had not stepped up and been more consistent.” (Steve Helber/Associated Press)
CHARLOTTESVILLE — As Virginia’s baseball team marched through the postseason last year, pitcher Connor Jones cheered on his teammates like a fan would, resigned to watching College World Series games rather than playing them. An accomplished high school prospect who had turned down professional opportunities to play for the Cavaliers, Jones had heard about hitting a “freshman wall,” but he didn’t think it would happen to him.