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Dodgers win one-game playoff with Tigers

Mathews plays hero with homer in 10th
August 22, 2006
Brian Mathews' two-run homer in the 10th inning lifted the visiting Dodgers over the Tigers, 4-2, in Tuesday's one-game playoff for a spot in the Gulf Coast League Championship Series.

With the right to meet the league-leading South Division champion Red Sox in a best-of-3 set beginning Wednesday on the line, Mathews followed Francisco Lizarraga's one-out walk with a two-out blast over the left-field fence, snapping a 2-2 tie.

Jovanny Rosario delivered a pair of RBI triples for the Dodgers, who finished with the third-best record among GCL division winners by taking the East with a 32-22 mark.

The Tigers, who captured the North title with a 32-18 record, took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Audy Ciriaco smacked a two-run triple. Ciriaco was thrown out at the plate trying to stretch the hit into an inside-the-park homer.

Mario Garcia (1-0) picked up the win in relief, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one in 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Alfredo Figaro (0-1) took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits and a walk in 1 2/3 frames.

Michael Echan is a contributor to MLB.com.