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Rams squeak past Chargers

Aug 17, 2008 - 3:07 AM By Jim Walsh PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Travis Minor's 3-yard run in the third quarter provided the only touchdown of the game as the St. Louis Rams defeated the San Diego Chargers, 7-6, on Saturday.

Minor rushed for 18 of the 71 yards the Rams covered in the 13-play drive.

Quarterback Marc Bulger had another poor start for St. Louis. The seven-year veteran, who was just 3-of-9 against Tennessee last week, completed 7-of-14 attempts for 56 yards with two interceptions.

Billy Volek started at quarterback for San Diego in place of Philip Rivers. Playing the entire first half, Volek was 5-for-7 for 58 yards.

Where the passing game was lacking, the Rams' running game showed promise, collecting 119 first-half yards.

Running backs Antonio Pittman and Brian Leonard filled in well for star Steven Jackson, who is in a contract dispute. Pittman gained 67 yards on nine carries while Leonard collected 38 yards on eight rushes.

The two backs spearheaded a 17-play 81-yard second quarter drive that stalled when Bulger's fourth-down pass to Leonard was stopped for no gain at the 2.

The Chargers took an early lead, turning first-quarter interceptions by first-round pick Antoine Carson and Cletis Gordan into Nate Kaeding field goals of 27 and 31 yards.

Cason, who on Thursday agreed to a five-year contract, also contributed three first-half tackles.

Third-round pick Jacob Hester gained 59 yards on 12 carries for the Chargers (1-1).