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San Francisco 21, Miami 0

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- San Francisco forced four turnovers by quarterback Jay Fiedler and rookie Kevan Barlow scored on two short runs Sunday to carry the 49ers past the Miami Dolphins, 21-0.

The 49ers moved within reach of a playoff spot, which they will clinch if New Orleans loses to St. Louis Monday night.

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It was the second shutout in three weeks for the 49ers (10-3), who blanked Buffalo, 35-0 on Dec. 2 but suffered a 27-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams last week.

San Francisco last two shutouts in a season in 1974. It also marked the first time Miami has been blanked twice in a season since 1970. The Dolphins suffered a 24-0 loss to the New York Jets on Nov. 18.

The Dolphins (9-4) remained in first place in the AFC East, but had their lead cut to a half game over New England (9-5). Miami plays at New England next Saturday.

When the Dolphins last visited here in 1992, the 49ers rolled to a 27-3 win and Jerry Rice set the NFL record for career touchdown receptions.

This time, the 49ers dominated again, relentlessly hounding Fiedler, who was intercepted three times, sacked five times and fumbled once.

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Barlow scored on a two-yard run and Jeff Garcia hit rookie Eric Johnson with a 12-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to stake the 49ers to a 14-0 lead.

Miami managed just four first downs and 54 total yards in the first half. Fiedler threw for just 25 yards while Garcia completed 12 of 17 for 83 yards.

The 49ers effectively ended the game with a 17-play, 98-yard drive which consumed more than 11 minutes in the third quarter. Garcia hit Terrell Owens with a 28-yard pass and Garrison Hearst rushed seven times for 39 yards before Barlow scored his second touchdown of the game.

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