The Austin Blue Sox were able to get a preview on a possible playoff opponent and they showed they could keep up with the Hastings Hawks in a 9-8 loss in Marcusen Park Friday.

The Blue Sox pulled to within one-run in the bottom of the ninth inning when Brandon Rector put down a sacrifice bunt to score a run, but Carter Guthmiller struck out with a runner on third to end the contest.

“Hastings is a team that we might see in the play-in game next Wednesday. So hopefully we can get another win and get a home game,” Rector said.

Clay Eustice went three-for-four for the Blue Sox (2-10 Section 2B) and Jose Laureano pitched nine full innings.

“It’s good to be swinging the bat better before the playoffs and it was good to see Clay get going,” Rector said. “For Laureano to get us through nine innings was big when we have three games in two days.”

Hastings 3 4 0  1 0 0  1 0 0  —  9  11  1

Blue Sox 4 0 0  0 2 0  1 0 1  —  8   8  3

Blue Sox pitching: Jose Laureano (L) 9 IP, 11 H, 5 BB, 9 R, 8 ER, 8 K, 1 HBP

Blue Sox hitting: Quinn Yocom, 1-for-3, R, BB; Nester Jimenez, 2-for-5, R; Clay Eustice, 3-for-4, 2 doubles, RBI, 3 R, BB; Miguel Castro, 2-for-4, R, SB; Brandon Rector, 0-for-1, 2 RBIs, SB, 2 BBs, R; Carter Guthmiller, 0-for-5; Brad Morris, 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, SB, BB; Kevin Juenger, 0-for-2; Laureano, 1-for-4