ST. LOUIS (AP) — ST. LOUIS (AP)— Peter Bourjos singled home the winning run in the ninth inning, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a series sweep and their fifth straight win with a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Pittsburgh closer Mark Melancon (2-4), in his second inning of work, got the first two men before Yadier Molina drew a walk. John Jay singled to left. Bourjos followed with a single to center and Molina easily beat the throw home.

St. Louis grabbed the Central Division lead Monday and increased it to 2 1-2 games over the Milwaukee Brewers. It is largest lead this season for the defending division champs. Trevor Rosenthal (2-6) pitched the ninth for the win.