BELTON, Texas – McMurry University was unable to clinch an American Southwest Conference tournament berth, falling in the series opener at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 6-0.

The loss was the sixth-consecutive ASC West setback for the War Hawks (18-20, 11-8 ASC West). McM needs a split in Saturday's doubleheader (1 p.m.) regular-season finale to clinch an ASC playoff bid.

The Crusaders tallied single runs in the first, second and fourth innings, as well as in the sixth through eighth frames. Conversely, McMurry was retired in order in the second, third and fourth innings and sent the minimum number to the plate in the seventh.

McMurry managed eight hits, but was kept off the plate. Kory Moench and Nick Marsh each went 2-for-4 in the game. Matt Thompson was 1-for-3 with a first-inning double.

Spencer Smith took the loss for the War Hawks, falling to 5-3 on the year. Smith went 6 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits and five runs (four earned). He walked three and struck out two.

In all, UMHB had 12 hits in the game.