The San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-1, on Tuesday, increasing their lead in the NL West to 1 ½ games. It was the San Francisco's second straight win over Los Angeles after taking Monday's game, 2-1.

The Giants got off to a quick start Tuesday, scoring twice in the first inning on a two-run single by Buster Posey. They extended their lead in the fourth on an RBI single by Brandon Crawford. Crawford then scored two batters later when Angel Pagan doubled.

Tim Lincecum got the win for the Giants, allowing one run over 5 ⅔ innings while striking out four. The win is Lincecum's seventh of the year and first in his last three starts. Javier Lopez got the final two outs for the Giants, recording his third save of the season.

Joe Blanton took the loss for the Dodgers, allowing all four of the Giants' runs. Blanton gave up four runs and 10 hits over 5 ⅔ innings. He's now 0-3 in four starts with the Dodgers since being acquired from the Phillies on Aug. 3. Matt Kemp drove in the Dodgers' lone run on a sacrafice fly in the sixth inning.

The three-game series will conclude Wednesday with the first pitch scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

For more on the Dodgers, visit True Blue LA and SB Nation Los Angeles. For all of your Giants news, head over to McCovey Chronicles and SB Nation Bay Area.