Michael Collins predicts Canberra Cavalry will bounce back - The Canberra Times

Adelaide's Chris Jacobs hit a three-run homer on Monday to sink the Cavalry. Photo: SMP Images

They've relinquished top spot to Perth, but Canberra Cavalry manager Michael Collins insisted squaring a series in Adelaide ''isn't the end of the world'' after a 4-2 loss on Monday.

And he's backed his side to use its resolve to bounce back immediately when it hosts the Bite this week.

Squandered opportunities at critical moments cost the Cavalry dearly, who failed to take advantage of loaded bases in the final inning.

Canberra's Michael Wells was impressive in the 4-2 loss. Photo: SMP Images

The Cavalry proved their ability to respond to adversity earlier this month by sweeping Perth 3-0 at home after the Heat thrashed them 4-0 on their turf the week before.

''We just didn't make the plays when we needed to,'' Collins said.

''There was a couple of good individual performances at different times but as a group, not good enough. One hit here or one hit there would have made all the difference.''

Adelaide took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Canberra hit back in the fifth when a Shane Opitz double allowed Michael Wells and Aaron Sloan to score. However a three-run homer from Adelaide's Chris Jacobs in the sixth innings proved the back-breaker.

Back-to-back losses mean Canberra (17-13) has conceded ground to Perth (18-11) in the race for top spot. Despite giving up a 2-0 series lead in Adelaide, Collins said it was far from a disaster and the team would regroup this week.

Canberra will be boosted by the return of catcher Jack Murphy after the Toronto Blue Jays prospect missed the series in Adelaide to return home for Christmas.

''Adelaide's a good ball club and they pitch very well, splitting the series isn't a complete loss or the end of the world,'' Collins said.

''I guess it's frustrating not to string things together consistently.

''We definitely need to bounce back with four quality ball games and come back with the results we're looking for.''

AT A GLANCE

ADELAIDE BITE 4 bt CANBERRA CAVALRY 2. Cavalry's best: 1B- Wells (3-4, 1R), P-Thompson (5inns, 4H, 1R).