Tim Atherton’s Brisbane Bandits extinguish Perth Heat in game one of ABL Championship Series

Wade Dutton’s RBI-single in the seventh lifted the Bandits to a 3-2 win at Perth Harley-Davidson Ballpark ahead of the best-of-three series shifting to Brisbane on Saturday night.

Logan Wade got aboard with his second double of the night against Heat starter John Anderson before Dutton drove in the go-ahead run with two outs.

Relievers Loek Van Mil and Ryan Searle combined to throw three scoreless innings and close the door on the Heat.

The Bandits opened the scoring in the second inning, capitalising on a pair of doubles and a defensive miscue from MLB experienced Pete Kozma.

Logan Wade doubled to start the inning ahead of Wynton Bernard driving him in with a two-out double.

Bernard scored to extend Brisbane’s advantage following a fielding error from shortstop Kozma.

But Perth hit back with runs in the third and fourth.

Tim Kennelly scored on a wild pitch to cut the Bandits’ lead to one run.

Kennelly then pulled Perth level, driving Chris Clare (single) home with a broken bat single in the fourth.

Heat starter John Anderson settled well after allowing two early runs and retired 13-straight after Kozma’s error.

Wade’s second double of the night in the seventh broke up the streak and Dutton’s go-ahead single put an end to Anderson’s night.

The left-hander allowed two earned runs on five hits with seven strikeouts in in 6 2/3 innings.

Brisbane starter Ryan Bollinger worked six innings, giving up one earned run on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Chris Clare’s long throw from left field on a TJ Bennett double cut down Bandits’ catcher Daniel De La Calle at home to keep Perth’s deficit at one in the eighth.

But the Heat were unable to rally.

The best-of-three series continues on Saturday night in Brisbane, with first pitch at OneHub Stadium at 6pm.