It took time for the Cardinals to figure out how to win without Albert Pujols but it sure looks like they’ve got it down now. St. Louis swept the Rockies and has won seven of their last nine. Scott Rolen got the Cardinals off to a good start with a first-inning two-run homer as they beat the Rockies 4-1 Sunday.

Rain caused a hiatus in the game after the second inning, but starter Chris Carpenter didn’t let that bother him. Carpenter got the win in dominating fashion giving up one run on seven hits in seven innings. His effort allowed the bullpen to get some much needed rest. Jason Isringhausen retired the side in the ninth to get his National League leading 24th save.

The three Cardinals starters in the series sweep Jason Marquis, Jeff Suppan, and Carpenter held the Rockies to four earned runs in 22.2 innings.

Juan Encarnacion extended his hitting streak to 10 games. So Taguchi had two hits and scored twice.

The Cardinals’ sweep of Colorado accompanied with the Reds three losses to the White Sox gives them a 5.5 game lead in the NL Central.