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Perth Heat to host home playoff after series split with Canberra Cavalry

Ben SmithComment News

PERTH Heat have claimed the Australian Baseball League South-East Conference and sewn up a home playoff series after splitting their away series with the Canberra Cavalry.

After a thunderstorm forced game one to be postponed and continued on Saturday, the Cavalry took the series lead, but a sweep in Saturday’s double-header secured a Heat home playoff.

While Canberra took out game four, the series draw was enough for Perth to lock up a home playoff series against the Sydney Blue Sox.

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After taking an early 2-0 lead via Tristan Gray in game one, rain brought an abrupt end to proceedings, although they would carry that lead into the game when it picked up again.

Canberra gained the upper hand with a 5-2 win in game two despite a late rally from the Heat, but they found their touch when they resumed game one on Saturday.

Doubles to Robbie Glendinning and Alex Hall in the fourth-inning saw Perth square the ledger with a 7-1 win and they got off to a strong start in game three, with Glendinning and Hall again providing valuable contributions.

Canberra pegged them back and forced them into extra innings with the game tied at 5-5, but Tim Kennelly and Chris Clare scored in the 10th inning to secure a 8-5 win.

The Cavalry claimed a tight 5-4 win in the series finale to ensure they also qualified for the postseason.

Hall was again on song with a double and while Gray added two RBIs, it was not enough as the visitors fell narrowly.

The Heat will tackle Sydney at Perth Ballpark in a best-of-three series between January 25-27.