The Austin Blue Sox seem to be in a funk that can’t quite shake out of. Austin lost its fourth straight game when it fell 10-1 to the Rochester Royals in Marcusen Park Wednesday.

The Royals scored seven runs in the first two innings to take a big lead and the Blue Sox (5-5 overall) mustered just four hits in the loss.

“We just need more reps in the cage,” Blue Sox manager Brandon Rector said. “They made some big plays on balls that could’ve been hits. We’ve just got to take it day by day, and hopefully we can bounce back with a ‘W.'”

Alexis Laureano pitched strong in relief for Austin as he struck out seven and allowed zero runs in six and two-thirds innings. Jon Mittag took the loss as he allowed 11 hits and 10 runs.

“I was toying with [starting Alexis]. I was hoping John would have a little bit better showing,” Rector said. “[John is] a veteran and he deserved this start. Alexis has always come out and thrown strikes. I know what he can do.”

Royals 4 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 — 10 14 2

Blue Sox 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 4 3

Blue Sox pitching: Jon Mittag (L) 3 1/3 IP, 11 H, 1 BB, 10 ER, 1 K; Alexis Laureano, 6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 R, 7 K, 1 HBP

Blue Sox hitting: Quinn Yocom, 0-for-3, BB; Taylar Scwhartz, 0-for-4; Mirangelo Muller, 2-for-4, R; Mark Harber, 0-for-1, BB; Cody Meyer, 1-for-4, SB; Miguel Castro, 0-for-3, HBP; Brandon Rector, 0-for-2; Nestor Jimenez, 0-for-4; Carter Guthmiller, 1-for-3; Alex Riles, 0-for-2; Trent Reinartz, 0-for-2