It was a game against his former side he'd prefer to forget but pitcher Aaron Thompson's fortitude to bounce back from an awful start was praised by Canberra Cavalry manager Michael Collins in Sunday's 12-4 home loss to Brisbane Bandits.

Canberra was looking to sweep the Bandits in the fourth match of the season-opening series, but Thompson gave up five runs and seven hits off his first seven pitches in the top of the first innings.

It gave Brisbane momentum, their batting line-up running rampant with 19 hits to Canberra's seven to ensure their trip to the capital wasn't totally in vain.

Although Thompson's day went pear-shaped early, he recovered to restrict Brisbane to one run in the next four innings he pitched.

The Cavalry scored two  runs to restrict the damage in the first inning, before two more in the sixth reduced the deficit to 6-4.

But in the top of the seventh inning the Bandits restored their breathing space with three runs, with some help from the Cavalry defence.

Tyson Walker replaced Thompson on the mound and walked David Sutherland with bases loaded.

An error from Canberra second baseman Josh Fritsch with bases loaded then allowed two more Bandits to score as the visitors established a 9-4 lead.

They went on with the job as crucial errors ruined any chance Canberra had of launching a comeback.

After quiet showings previously in a series where it was Canberra's offence which dominated, Jason Leblebijian had a double, single and a home run on his first three at bats.

"It definitely wasn't the start you look for at the start on a Sunday to finish off a series," Collins said.

"But I thought Aaron Thompson did a nice job after a rocky start to get us through those five innings.

"All things considered for the first series of the year, there was a lot of positive things.

"There's some new guys looking to get settled in so overall it's a pretty pleasing result."

Canberra scored a combined 18 runs in its two wins on Saturday, but never got going on Sunday as the Bandits pitchers fought back.

"Even though we didn't get as many hits today it was good to see it was shared amongst some guys throughout the series," Collins said.

"Those errors were a momentum shift and we were still in the game, but it happens.

"It's something we'll address during the week and clean it up for next week."

The Cavalry will look to continue their strong start to the season on the road against Melbourne Aces next weekend.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE ROUND ONE

Brisbane Bandits  500 013 002 - 12R 19H 1E

Canberra Cavalry 200 020 00 - 4R 7H 3E