Arroyo leads Giants into AZL Finals

New York vs. Brooklyn. San Francisco vs. Los Angeles.

Scottsdale vs. Phoenix?

One of baseball's most storied rivalries is about to add a new -- albeit decidedly Minor -- chapter as the Giants are set to take on the Dodgers in the Rookie-level Arizona League Championship Series.

Both teams captured their respective first- and second-half division titles. The Giants throttled the competition from the outset, taking 16 of their first 18 games and finishing with a .667 winning percentage. They also led the league with a 3.19 ERA and .279 team batting average.

The latter accomplishment was due in no small part to shortstop Christian Arroyo. The 25th overall pick in this year's Draft batted .326 with a league-leading 39 RBIs and 47 runs scored in 45 games.

On Saturday night, Arroyo's single keyed a three-run sixth inning as the Giants defeated the Padres, 5-1, in a one-game semifinal. Cristian Paulino singled, stole two bases and scored twice in the victory.

Luis Ysla, who went 4-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 12 regular season starts, struck out nine and allowed an unearned run on four hits and two walks over six innings for the win.

Francy Cordero and Jose Ureno each had two hits for the Padres.

In other AZL playoff action:

Dodgers 9, Rangers 4

The Dodgers earned a trip to the Finals by collecting seven extra-base hits in a win over the visiting Rangers. Theo Alexander, a seventh-round pick in this year's Draft, belted two homers and drove in three runs for the winners.

Michael Ahmed doubled twice and knocked in a run, while James McDonald contributed two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Dodgers.

Wascar Teodo gave up an unearned run over 4 2/3 innings to get the win in relief.

Saquan Johnson doubled, singled, drove in two runs and scored one for the Rangers. Box score »