THE Ipswich Musketeers showed they weren't far off the pace despite two losses to competition leaders Windsor.

The Musketeers were well in the hunt at 4-4 in the eighth innings of last night's Baseball Queensland Division 1 clash with the unbeaten leaders.

However, the powerful home side capitalised on Ipswich's current lack of pitching depth to secure a late 8-4 victory.

That followed Friday night's 6-1 defeat to Windsor, where four runs in one innings proved decisive.

The Royals maintained top spot after sweeping the series with Musketeers now needing to beat the Wests Bulldogs on Wednesday night and Sunday to keep in touch with the top two.

However, Musketeers club president Jon Campbell was encouraged by the weekend performances, knowing Ipswich's pitching ranks will be boosted by the return of Josh Roberts and other imports.

"It was probably the best game we played all year, the whole team,'' Campbell said after last night's clash at Windsor.

"It was we just couldn't close it out because a lack of pitching depth.''

Both teams included Brisbane Bandits players preparing for a new Australian Baseball League season.

Dean Jones toiled hard on the mound in Friday night's game where Windsor unleashed a powerful American thrower.

"They basically won it in one innings,'' Campbell said.

"They got four runs off two home runs.

"That was the best pitcher we've seen all year.''

In yesterday's game, Gold Coast import Rhys Niit kept Ipswich on target for victory until he was replaced in the final inning.

State of play

Baseball Queensland Division 1: Last night - Windsor Royals d Ipswich Musketeers 8-4. Friday night: Windsor def Ipswich 6-1.

Ipswich's next matches: v Bulldogs at Tivoli Sporting Complex on Wednesday night and Sunday.