Cardinals 6, Rockies 2
Albert Pujols had three hits, including a 465-foot, two-run homer to highlight a four-run first inning as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the visiting Colorado Rockies 6-2 Sunday night.
Yadier Molina added three hits and a pair of RBIs for the Cardinals, who handed the Rockies their 17th straight loss on a Sunday. Molina and David Freese (two hits) each had RBI doubles in the first.
Octavio Dotel struck out four of the five batters he faced, including Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh to preserve the Cardinals' 4-2 lead.
Edwin Jackson (9-8) threw 37 pitches and gave up two runs in the first, but settled down to gain his second win in three decisions with the Cardinals. He allowed seven hits before leaving with a cramp in his right leg after 5 1/3 innings.
Losing pitcher Esmil Rogers (6-2), who had allowed four runs combined in his previous three outings, gave up four in the first. He walked seven in five innings.
Mark Ellis and Tulowitzki each had two hits and an RBI for the Rockies, who finished their road trip 3-4.