Gophers lose two of three to No. 2 UCLA

After taking down the Bruins in extra innings on Friday, 6-2, the Gophers fell in the final two games in the series to start the season.

The No. 2-ranked UCLA Bruins batted .355 as a team over the weekend.

The lone victory for Minnesota came Friday night when the team scored four runs in the top of the 10th inning to secure the victory.  A two-run double by shortstop Michael Handel gave the Gophers the advantage.

Minnesota lost by a combined scored of 28-1 between Saturday and Sunday.

Between poor hitting and starting pitching in the two losses, the Gophers did not have much to cheer for. Bobby Juan and Andy Henkemeyer each accounted for five hits in the series, while the team batted .220 collectively.

The sole gleam of hope for Minnesota came on Friday evening when ace Tom Windle stepped on the mound to begin the season.  The highly-touted prospected threw four shutouts innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three.

The starters for Saturday and Sunday, Ben Meyer and Jordan Jess, combined for 11 earned runs in less than six innings pitched.

Minnesota will open the home season against Western Michigan this weekend.  The Gophers will play Friday evening, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, and wrapping up at noon on Sunday.