Rookies led the way for the Colorado Rockies (38-65) last night in an 8-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals (56-49) in Denver. Colorado shortstop Josh Rutledge homered in his fourth straight game, and helped put an end to a five-game losing streak. The Rockies host the San Francisco Giants (56-49) tonight at 6:40 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).

Josh Rutledge became the first Rockies rookie to homer in four straight games, when he victimized Fernando Salas (1-4) in the seventh inning with his fifth homer since being called up from Double-A Tulsa on July 13, giving the Rockies a 5-2 lead. The streak not only made Rockies history but was unique for Rutledge, as well.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever done that in my life,” said Rutledge, who is hitting .375 in 18 games as the shortstop.

Colorado starter Alex White, in his return after being optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs in late June, provided solid pitching for most of his 5 1/3 innings.

White forced 12 ground-ball outs in the first five innings and held the Cardinals scoreless. St. Louis finally touched him the third time through the order, with Skip Schumacher’s single, Jon Jay’s RBI triple and Carlos Beltran’s RBI double providing a lead for starter Lance Lynn (two runs in six innings).

Second-year left-handed reliever Rex Brothers (6-2) also stepped forward, a day after his struggles cost the club. Brothers’ seventh-inning leadoff walk to Schumacher, with the Rockies leading, 5-3, on Wednesday, set in motion events that led to Matt Holliday’s game-turning three-run homer.

This time, Brothers entered in the sixth after White hit David Freese to load the bases and worked Lance Berkman into a double-play grounder that kept the deficit at one run and gave the offense a chance to turn the game.

Tickets are available for tonight’s game at Coors Field vs. the San Francisco Giants, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.

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