In one of the most drama-packed, heart-rending and downright poetic games they've played all season, the Thunder staved off elimination with a 4-3 win in 12 innings over the New Britain Rock Cats last night at New Britain Stadium.

Here's why I say poetic: On Friday night with the game on the line, Kanekoa Texeira -- who has been worked to the bone this season -- gave up the game-winning double to NB catcher Wilson Ramos, one the Twins' brightest young prospects.

Last night, in possibly the greatest display of managerial cojones all season, Tony Franklin summoned Texeira in the tenth inning last night ... with the season-ending run on second and two outs ... to face Ramos. The move worked out when Texeira got a weak popup to short to end the inning.

The game stayed tied until the twelfth, when Chris Malec's sac fly brought home Austin Krum with the eventual game-winner. Remember, though, this is on the road, so the Thunder had to close out the Rock Cats one more time.

Texeira was still on the mound.

He got two quick outs, but wound up walking his third hitter on what sounded like a very questionable ball four. That, of course, brought up Ramos again. Just like last time, Texeira won the battle with New Britain's catcher, getting a weak grounder to third baseman Marcos Vechionacci.

Now that that's over the Thunder have to win two more.