He gave up three runs in the opening frame, before Cavalry shortstop Mike Fransoso hit a solo shot to cut the margin back to 3-1.

The Cavalry gave up another two runs in the second, and while Cam Warner drove home Kyle Perkins in the next frame, it set up what looked like a match-winning 5-2 lead in what was meant to be a shortened seven-inning game.

But Perkins had other ideas and he started the rally with a momentum-turning home run that brought in two runs and cut the margin to 5-4 after six.

Canberra outfielder David Kandilas got in on the act as well, hitting a solo homer in the bottom of the seventh to level the scores and sent it into extra innings.

The Cavalry had plenty of chances to claim the win.

Loading

They failed to take advantage of loaded bases on two occasions, but Perth didn't need a second invitation when their chance came in the top of the tenth.

Perth scored three runs to set up the 8-5 victory.

The first game of Saturday's double-header picked up with Perth leading 2-0 in the bottom of the third - the game had been washed out on Thursday night.

Cavalry manager Keith Ward decided his star starting pitcher Steve Kent hadn't had enough rest, instead opting to use Jason Lott.

Lott gave up one big Heat inning and that decided the contest, with the visitors scoring four runs in the top of the sixth to set up a 7-1 win.

The Cavalry haven't done well in double-headers recently - losing both games to the Brisbane Bandits in one last weekend.

They looked on track for a repeat against the Heat on Saturday before their late rally sent the game in extra innings.

They'll complete the four-game series at The Fort on Sunday at 11am, which will effectively be a dead rubber given it will have no bearing on the final standings.

AT A GLANCE

Perth 200 004 001 7R 10H 0E

Canberra 000 000 001 1R 8H 0E

Perth 320 000 000 03 8R 11H 0E

Canberra 110 002 100 0 5R 10H 2E