The Blue Sox dug themselves in a hole they couldn’t get out of as they lost a key game to the Savage Outlaws 11-7 in Marcusen Park Monday.

The Outlaws scored six runs in the top of the second inning off four hits and three walks and they never looked back as they forced a tie with the Blue Sox for last place in the section with the Blue Sox (13-16 overall).

With two section games left, Austin would most likely have to win out to avoid playing in a play-in game between the No. 4 and No. 5 teams to begin their postseason next week.

On Monday, Austin pitcher John Kirby struck out five in four innings, but he also allowed eight hits, five walks and seven earned runs.

“They were close pitches and John was a little frustrated, but you’ve gotta play through that,” Blue Sox manager Jamey Pratt said.

Jon Mittag came on in relief and didn’t allow an earned run in five innings of work.

“Jon pitched a wonderful game and it was a real great effort,” Pratt said. “He’s done a great job this summer.”

The Blue Sox loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth and they scored two runs on an infield single by Carter Guthmiller and a wild pitch, but Austin couldn’t do any more damage.

The Blue Sox will host their second annual Bats vs. Cancer night and it will also be Blue Sox fan appreciation night when they host the Austin Greyhounds Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Marcusen Park.

Outlaws 0 6 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 — 11 10 3

Blue Sox 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 — 7 9 4

Blue Sox pitching: John Kirby (L), 4 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 9 R, 7 ER, 5 K; Jon Mittag, 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 K, HBP

Blue Sox hitting: Chris May, 2-for-3, 2 R; Brandon Rector, 1-for-5, double, R; Kirby, 1-for-5, double, 2 RBIs, R; Kyal Williams, 1-for-4, RBI, R; Mark Harber, 0-for-4; Josh Kunze, 2 BBs; Brady Klingfus, 1-for-4, double, RBI; Preston Higbe, 0-for-3; Jamie Adams, 0-for-2, R, BB; Clay Eustice, 0-for-1, BB; Quinn Yocom, 0-for-2; Carter Guthmiller, 1-for-2, RBI; Nate Wilson, 1-for-2; Cody Meyer, 0-for-1; Jamey Pratt, BB, R