MKRob Sports

Running back Frank Gore ran for 167 yards as San Francisco beat Arizona 24-9 Monday to keep their faint National Footbal League playoff hopes alive.

San Francisco forced the Cardinals into seven turnovers and quarterback Alex Smith completed 19-of-35 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

The 49ers forced Arizona (8-5) to commit five first half turnovers and the loss denied them a chance to clinch the NFC West title.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner threw two interceptions in the opening half after going 130 passes without an interception.

The Cardinals now need to win two of their remaining three games to clinch.

Smith threw two interceptions for the 49ers (6-7), who rebounded from a 20-17 loss at Seattle last week.

Dashon Goldson had an interception and forced two of fumbles, while Ahmad Brooks posted three sacks for the 49ers.

Warner struggled mightily all night long against the 49ers defence. He was sacked four times.

Warner finished 16-of-29 for 178 yards for the defending NFC champions. Arizona fumbled seven times, losing five of them.

Beanie Wells had 15 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown in the loss.