St. Louis ? More than timely offense was responsible for three straight comeback victories by the St. Louis Cardinals last week.

Without stingy work by a rebuilt bullpen, the rallies wouldn’t have been possible. Entering a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs today, the relievers haven’t allowed a run in their last 10 home games.

The streak covers 321/3 innings. They’ve been close to untouchable on the road, with an overall June earned-run average of 1.22.

The bullpen has been good enough for the NL Central leaders to go with three catchers and a six-man bullpen for now. Manager Tony La Russa prefers having 12 pitchers on the roster, but the team optioned right-hander Jason Simontacchi to Triple-A Memphis last week when it activated Mike Matheny from the 15-day disabled list.

“We’re just playing baseball the way we’re capable of playing,” closer Jason Isringhausen said. “We’re not doing anything to shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Isringhausen, back among the game’s top closers after missing the first half of last year following shoulder surgery, has converted 15 saves in 18 opportunities. In 311/3 innings, he has 30 strikeouts.

Just as important are the guys who pitch earlier in the game. Newcomers Julian Tavarez and Ray King are key additions, a righty-lefty mix that perhaps represents the best offseason moves by the Cardinals.

Tavarez has appeared in 34 games, going 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA and has two saves in two chances. King has appeared in 37 games, going 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA and hasn’t allowed a run in 22 games covering 151/3 innings since May 3.

Steve Kline, the other lefty, is back on his game after a so-so 2003 season, going 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA.

Kiko Calero, a right-hander coming off a serious knee injury last year, has retired the last 13 batters he has faced and has 14 strikeouts and two walks in 162/3 innings.