Zach Wilson belted his first homer of the season to give Canberra an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, sending home Cavalry debutant Tucker Nathans - but that's when their charged stalled.

Auckland took the lead with five runs in the fourth, chasing Cavalry starter JJ Hoover (3.2 innings, five hits, three walks, five earned runs) from the game.

Enter Steve Kent. The Canberra veteran was faultless from the bullpen, giving up just four hits and shutting out the hosts over the remaining 3.1 innings in the seven-inning encounter.

Kent's effort laid the platform for Nathans' decisive two-run homer in the top of the seventh, after Taylor Kohlwey's RBI double in the sixth tied the game at 5-5.

The win improved Canberra's season record to 4-5.

Game two will be played on Friday at North Harbour Stadium at 5pm.