SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Anthony Dixon scored on a pair of touchdowns on 1-yard runs in the first period Thursday and the San Francisco 49ers held on late to defeat San Diego 20-17.
The Chargers climbed within three points on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Scott Tolzien to Seyi Ajirotutu with 1:21 to play, but the 49ers then recovered an onside kick to seal the victory.
San Francisco starter Alex Smith completed 8-of-10 for 45 yards. Tolzien was 16-of-23 for 226 and the late touchdown.
Both the 49ers and Chargers went 2-2 during the pre-season.
San Diego, which gained more yards and gave up fewer yards than any other team in the NFL last year and still did not make the playoffs, will open its season at home against Minnesota. San Francisco starts by hosting Seattle.
