Canberra Cavalry's hitting was as electric as the night sky on Thursday, tearing apart the Brisbane Bandits to remain in touch with the Australian Baseball League playoffs.
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The Cavalry (18-19) pummelled 10 unanswered runs in the first three innings on its way to a 10-3 victory against the Bandits (19-18) at Narrabundah Ballpark.
First baseman Jack Murphy had a night to remember, driving in six runs including a massive three-run blast over the right-field wall as the Cavalry completely dominated the Bandits pitchers.
Outfielder Anthony Alford also cleared the fence with a solo shot, while starting pitcher Brian Grening (3-3) picked up the win, giving up three earned runs in 6.1 innings.
Alford went 3-4 with the bat and also caught seven balls in the outfield.
The Cavalry is now within one game of the second-placed Bandits.
With lightning clearly seen in the distance above Narrabundah Ballpark, Alford gave the Cavalry the best start possible with a lead-off home run.
Christian Lopes continued his red-hot form with a double before Murphy brought him to home plate with a single to double the Cavalry's lead to 2-0 after the first inning.
A single from Adam Silva drove in Robbie Perkins, plus an error in the outfield from the Bandits, put the Cavalry up 3-0 in the second.
That became 4-0 thanks to a single from Alford to bring Silva through for the run.
More was to come as Murphy loaded up with a blistering shot to drive in three runs and take the Cavalry to a commanding 7-0 advantage.
Lopes tacked on another run to the Cavalry's lead in the third inning with a sacrifice fly, before Murphy continued his hot streak with a double to drive in two more runs.
The Cavalry was in cruise control, with some excellent fielding providing great support for Grening.
The Bandits finally got on board in the sixth inning with David Sutherland's double scoring two runs.
The visitors tacked on another in the seventh to signal the end of the night for Grening, who had a quality outing, but gave up 12 hits and had only one strike out.
The Cavalry's bullpen took over to seal the deal.
Tim Atherton will be the starting pitcher for the Cavalry for Friday night's game. First pitch is at 7pm.
ABL: Canberra Cavalry 10 bt Brisbane Bandits 3 at Narrabundah Ballpark on Thursday night.
Bandits 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 (3)
Cavalry 2 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 x (10)
