Stranding eleven base runners and hitting into two double plays, the Barton Community College baseball team failed to convert opportunities in losing 5-4 to Brown Mackie College Thursday evening at Lawson-Biggs Field.  The non-conference loss drops the Cougars to 14-31 while Brown Mackie improves to 6-14.  Barton returns to conference play on Friday in hosting Hutchinson Community College in a pivotal four-game weekend series.  The Cougars, 9-19 in conference and region play, are currently tied with Pratt Community College for the eighth and final playoff position from the Western Division.  Hutchinson, 11-17 in conference and region play, sits in sixth position and seeks to ensure its standing in the top eight. The teams will begin series play on Friday at Lawson-Biggs Field in a 6:30 p.m. nine-inning contest, followed by a seven-inning doubleheader on Saturday.   The series concludes on Sunday with a single nine-inning game.  Both Saturday and Sunday's first-pitch slated for 2:00 p.m.