NFL: San Francisco 17, St. Louis 16

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Frank Gore, just days after losing his mother, rushed for two touchdowns to lead San Francisco past the St. Louis Rams 17-16 Sunday in an NFC West showdown.

Joe Nedney hit the game-winning field goal with 3:28 on the clock. The 49ers (2-0) were able to escape when Jeff Wilkins' 56-yard try came up just short with time winding down.

San Francisco is 2-0 for the first time since 1998.

Gore's mother, Liz, died Wednesday after battling a lengthy illness. After both of his touchdown runs, the second-year back out of Miami pointed to the sky in tribute. Gore finished with 81 yards on 20 attempts.

Alex Smith was 11 for 17 for 126 yards for San Francisco, and Darrell Jackson caught three passes for 61 yards.

Marc Bulger was 24 of 41 for 368 yards with a touchdown for St. Louis (0-2). Isaac Bruce caught eight receptions for 145 yards.

Coach Scott Linehan said Bulger had sore ribs after being under heavy pressure for much of the game.