While they didn’t get to play their SPAMtown Challenge opener due to a scheduling conflict with their opponent, the Greyhounds did get in a game Thursday.

Austin (2-10 overall) lost to the Chicago Wildcats 18-11 in an exhibition game at Marcusen Park.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the top of the fouth after the Greyhounds took a 2-0 lead after one inning.

“They play like 40 or 50 games in college and then they’re playing five games at least a week. They’re all in shape and a lot of them are college age,” Greyhounds manager John Frein said.

The Greyhounds creeped to within 13-11 after plating eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The first nine Greyhound runners reached base in the frame.

Austin’s rally was highlighted by a three-run double by Matt Cano in the right field gap and a two-run homer by Craig Braaten over the center field fence.

“Cano had a nice double and Braaten’s homer was big. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ball hit (over the center field fence) before,” Frein said.

In all, the Wildcats went through five pitchers against the Greyhounds, while Austin left Alex Kasak on the mound for six innings.

“It was kind of a weird game. It wasn’t as intense as we’d of liked to play it but we start the tournament tomorrow and that’s what counts,” Frein said.

After Austin pulled to within two runs, the Wildcats opened the top of the fifth inning with a solo home run by Chris King. Chicago added two more runs in the frame on a pair of sacrifice flies and the Hounds never scored again.

The Greyhounds, who play Chaska tonight at 7 p.m., will play the team they were supposed to play Thursday, Eagle Valley, Ill. at 8 a.m. Saturday in Marcusen Park.

Wildcats 18, Greyhounds 11

Greyhounds pitching: Alex Kasak (L), 6 IP, 15 H, 3 BB, 16 R, 14 ER, 1 K; Matt Cano, 1 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 ER

Greyhounds hitting: Mitch Mullenbach, 1-of-3, 2 BBs, 3 R; Nick Bowe, 1-of-3, RBI; Matt Cano, 1-of-1, double, 3 RBIs, 3 BBs, 2 R; Craig Braaten, 2-of-4, HR, 3 RBIs, R; Matt Raso, 2-of-3, 2 RBIs, BB; Tim Kaplan, 0-of-3, 2 BBs; Dan Wiechmann, 1-of-3, BB; Joe Ciola, 0-of-1, BB; John Frein, 1-of-3, single, RBI; Clint Ripley, 0-of-2; Byrant Olsen, 0-of-1; Mike Schulke, 0-of-1

Wildcats pitching: Matt Barry (W), 3 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 1 K

Wildcats hitting: Rob Froio, 2-of-4, RBI; Tony Lapore, 1-of-4, double, RBI; Jeff Harckinsy, 0-of-4; Chris King, 1-of-4, HR; Matt Otteman, 2-of-3, HR, triple, RBI; Braden Kapteyn, 2-of-5, RBI;; Brett Newsome, 4-of-5, HR, 3 RBIs; Matt Kamp, 2-of-5, RBI; Andrw Treppel, 3-of-4, 2 RBIs