The Austin Blue Sox suffered a slow start and they couldn’t make up for it as they lost their SpamTown Challenge opener 7-4 to Westmont, Ill. in Marcusen Park Thursday.

Westmont tallied six runs in the opening frame and it led the rest of the way.

“We started out kind of flat,” Blue Sox manager Brandon Rector said. “That first inning got away from us a little bit with walks and they strung together a few hits that hurt us. I’m proud of the boys for how they did come back and they didn’t lay down.”

Austin (5-2 overall) pulled to within 6-4 when Nate Wilson doubled in a run, Lukas Anderson singled in a run and Mirangelo Muller tripled in a run in the fifth inning. Austin had just one hit in the last two innings.

Rector said the SpamTown Challenge will give his team a good opportunity to see where it stands.

“It’s always good to play against good talent. It lets you see where you’re at,” Rector said.

Blue Sox 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 — 4 6 1

Westmont 6 0 0 0 0 1 X — 7 8 1

Blue Sox pitching: Alexis Laureano (L) 6 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 7 ER, 3 K, 2 HBP

Blue Sox hitting: Ricky Marinez, 1-for-4; Lukas Anderson, 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, BB; Mirangelo Muller, 1-for-4, triple, RBI; Jason Stoulil, 0-for-1; Cody Meyer, 0-for-2, Rbi; Miguel Castro, 0-for-3; Nestor Jimenez, 1-for-2, R, SB; Nate Wilson, 1-for-3, double, RBI, R; Quinn Yocom, 0-for-2, BB; Mark Harber, 1-for-2