ATLANTA, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Rafael Furcal became a playoff hero Thursday night, but was not able to celebrate too long.
On orders from a state judge, Furcal had to get home as soon as he could.
Furcal had to receive court permission just to play in the NL Division Series. He hit a two-run homer in the 11th to give the Braves a 4-2 win over Houston that tied the best-of-five series at 1-1.
Already on probation for a DWI offense, Furcal was charged with a second one last month. He faces a 21-day jail sentence when the playoffs end. Until then, he must return to his home or hotel immediately after each Atlanta game.
"I forget all my problems when I play," Furcal said. "Then after the game, when I go to my house, I think of all my problems."
"I think he feels just terrible to be honest with you," said Braves Manager Bobby Cox. "Nobody likes to have their name in the paper like that, that's for sure. He got the game winner tonight and that's a big boost for the kid."
