After losing its 2005 season opener on the game’s final at-bat, Minnesota’s baseball team’s weekend didn’t get any better against No. 21 Arkansas.

The Gophers went 0-3 in a weekend series in Fayetteville, Ark., losing 5-4 Friday, 12-3 Saturday and 4-3 Sunday.

On Friday, the Razorbacks broke a 4-4 tie going into the bottom of the ninth when Arkansas’ Clint Arnold came through with a sacrifice fly.

The Gophers followed up their season-opening loss with two more Saturday and Sunday, to start their season 0-3 because of shaky pitching performances.

The team’s pitching staff, limited by a pitch count, used a committee approach. They got good outings from Josh Krogman and Matt Loberg, who each gave up one run in five and 3 1/3 innings of work, respectively.

But erratic performances from Andy Peters, Marcus McKenzie, Luke Beresford and Cole DeVries destroyed the Gophers’ hopes of picking up a win on the road. The four combined to give up 14 runs in 6 1/3 innings.

The Gophers will seek their first win of the season this weekend as they play host in the Dairy Queen Classic at the Metrodome.

Softball finishes second

Minnesota’s softball team finished second in the five-team Red & Black Classic in Louisville, Ky., during the weekend, finishing the tournament 2-2.

The Gophers (9-6) dropped their final game to host Louisville 3-2 on Sunday, managing only one hit.

Cardinals starter Aja Sherman struck out five and walked two, and Catherine Bishop closed the game with three hitless innings for Louisville.

Minnesota resumes play this weekend, traveling to Fullerton, Calif., for the Worth Invite.

Men’s golf in 13th

Minnesota’s men’s golf team is in 13th place after one day of the Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Mar, Puerto Rico. Minnesota posted an 8-over 296, 18 shots behind tournament leader Georgia.

Junior Ryan Paulson shot the Gophers’ low round, carding a 2-under 70. He is tied for 13th in the individual standings.