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TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays, playing for third in the American League East and better things in 2009, watched a big part of their future help make life miserable for the post-season chasing Minnesota Twins. Trent Richardson Jersey . Top prospect Travis Snider was in the middle of each of his teams rallies Wednesday night, collecting three hits and scoring once in a 5-4, 11-inning victory over the road-weary and mistake-prone visitors. John McDonald ultimately decided the back-and-forth affair with a single off Eddie Guardado (3-4) that scored Scott Rolen before a crowd of 21,475. But it was Snider, the 20-year-old first-round pick in 2006, who helped set the stage, both in the 11th and earlier. "Were going to take a good look at this kid and hope that he continues to play like that," said manager Cito Gaston. "(If he does), hey, the look is done because he had a great night." Rolen, who made a tremendous defensive play on Alexi Casillas grounder to save a run and end the 10th, opened the 11th with a double and moved to third on Sniders single to left. McDonald then drove a ball to deep centre off Boof Bonser to win it. In the ninth, it was Sniders single off all-star closer Joe Nathan that led to an error by right-fielder Jason Pridie, who entered as a pinch-runner in the seventh in his big-league debut, allowing pinch-runner Curtis Thigpen to score and tie the game 4-4. Combined with a single in the third ahead of Joe Ingletts two-run shot, a blast that looked like it would send the Blue Jays to victory behind A.J. Burnett, it was Snider playing the catalyst role that made the difference. "Definitely," he said when asked if he liked the pressure of hitting in big situations. "I think thats what makes a player. I had a couple of those situations in New York where I didnt come up with a hit, had a couple of strikeouts in RBI situations, so I just tried to put together good at-bats today." Jesse Carlson (6-1) pitched the 11th for the victory as the Blue Jays (72-66) won their fourth straight and moved six games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 06 season, despite failing to score with the bases loaded and one out in the 10th. Nathan struck out Thigpen and got Lyle Overbay to pop out to end that threat. Still, the Twins (77-62) made three errors in a loss that dropped them a game back of Chicago for top spot in the AL Central. Theyre now 5-8 on a gruelling 14-game, 15-day road trip and they clearly look ready for some time at home. "We missed too many plays, kept bobbling balls and kept giving them opportunities," lamented Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. "Weve got to find a way to beat these guys." The Twins, who erased an early 2-0 hole and blew a 3-2 lead in the seventh, went up 4-3 in the ninth when Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C., ripped a two-out double off B.J. Ryan. Jason Kubel walked and after a wild pitch that bounced into the stands moved the runners up a bag, Brendan Harris just beat out an infield single to score Morneau. But Nathan, usually as automatic as closers come, couldnt get it done. He walked Gregg Zaun to open the frame then gave up the sharp single to Snider that Pridie bobbled. Snider took his swings aggressively, advice he got from the dugout. "They said, `Get ready, get the fastball and hit it," recalled Snider. "I fouled a couple back that were good pitches to hit and just tried to battle with two strikes and was able to keep my hands back on a slider or cutter." The late see-saws came after Burnett appeared headed for his 17th win of the season after dominating through the first six innings. He had struck out seven to that point, becoming just the third pitcher in team history to hit the 200-plateau in a single season, but it all came undone in a messy seventh. Nick Punto opened with a walk, pinch-hitter Delmon Young delivered a one-out double and after Denard Span struck out for the third time, Casilla walked to load the bases. That was all for Burnett, who was replaced by lefty specialist Scott Downs as Joe Mauer came to the plate. Up 3-1 in the count, Mauer lined a fastball into the left-centre gap to clear the bases for a 3-2 lead. "A.J. pitched a good game, we just couldnt save it for him," said Gaston. "Very seldom does Downs come in and give it up." The Twins, however, uncharacteristically gave that advantage away. The tying run scored when Punto couldnt handle Rolens two-out smash, an error that allowed pinch-runner Kevin Mench to hustle home and knot things up. Another error, an errant throw by third baseman Matt Tolbert on Sniders grounder, put runners on second and third but after Jose Bautista was intentionally walked, Marco Scutaro failed to capitalize. Burnett allowed three runs in 6 2-3 innings and with four starts remaining, can still reach 20 wins if he runs the table. Hed be the sixth Blue Jays pitcher to accomplish the feat. Notes: Gaston said Scott Richmond of North Vancouver, B.C., and Brian Wolfe were possibilities to start the first game of a doubleheader Sept. 13 in Boston. That contest is the makeup game for a rain-out Aug. 15. . The last Blue Jay pitcher with 200 strikeouts in a season was Roy Halladay during his Cy Young season of 2003. . Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph was in the crowd. Dwight Freeney Youth Jersey . The Venezuelan, who recently raced in the GP2 development series, had been named as the driver for the No. 33 HVM Racing entry for this weekends season opening race in Miami. LaMarr Woodley Womens Jersey . In a way, those lofty fan expectations could be seen as an indication of just how high the Brewers have set the bar under the leadership of Melvin and Roenicke. Before Melvins arrival in 2002, a 12-17 start to the season wouldnt raise many eyebrows for a small-market franchise with humble goals. Now the Brewers expect to contend for a division title and the playoffs every year. Coby Fleener Jersey . -- Ervin Santana took an extra moment to savour the standing ovation while he walked off the Angel Stadium field in the eighth inning. Steve Johnson Youth Jersey . Word of the multiplayer trade first broke on Wednesday, though the final version had minor changes. The deal sends the contracts of Jerome Dyson and Brad Miller from New Orleans to Phoenix. Minnesota also receives three second-round draft picks in the deal. The acquisition of Lopez fills a need at centre for the Hornets, who traded away Emeka Okafor and let Chris Kaman go in free agency. Von Miller Jersey . The Avalanche had a two-game win streak halted Thursday in Nashville and the 4-2 setback marked just the third loss in nine games for Colorado, which is just one point out of a playoff spot in the West.PARDUBICE, Czech Republic - Mikael Backlund scored at 6:18 of overtime Friday to give Sweden a 2-1 victory over Russia in the semifinals of the world junior hockey championship. Russias Nikita Filatov opened the scoring late in the second period on a breakaway, sliding the puck between the legs of goalie Jhonaas Enroth. Blaine Gabbert Jersey. Swedens Robin Figren tied it on the power play with 8:10 left in the third period. Sweden will next face either three-time defending champion Canada or the United States, who played later Friday. Russia will take on the losing team for the bronze medal, also on Saturday. ' ' '