CLAREMORE, Okla.. --- Central Missouri needed just three runs, all of which came in the bottom of the first, as it picked up a 3-0 victory over Minnesota State in the opening game of the NCAA Central Region Tournament.

The Mavericks threatened in the bottom of the first as sophomore shortstop Jake Berkland drew a leadoff walk.  After a pair of outs, Berkland swiped second and moved to third on a passed ball before Central Missouri recorded a strikeout to end the threat.

In the bottom of the first, the Mules jumped out to a 3-0 advantage thanks to a hit-by pitch and back-to-back singles to load the bases. A double down the rightfield line off the bat of Evan Vienhage plated the first two runs.  A groundout then scored the third.

Central Missouri would threaten with runners at the corner in both the second and the third, but Crowley worked out of both innings without issue.

Central Missouri would threaten with runners in scoring position in the second, third, fourth and fifth but Crowley and the Mavericks worked through the innings unscathed. 

Minnesota State had its first real threat of the game in the top of the sixth as Berkland reached on an infield single and walks to sophomore left fielder CJ Trask and senior first baseman Louis Magers loaded the bases.  UCM got a ground ball off the bat of junior third baseman Charlie Schau to end the threat.

The Mavericks threatened again in the top of the ninth but couldn't push a run across the board. 

Junior righthanded pitcher Mack Crowley went the distance allowing three runs – all earned while scattering seven hits and striking out three.  Crowley retired 14 of the final 16 batters he faced. 

Minnesota State faces Missouri Southern in an elimination game tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.