With their season limping toward its sad conclusion, the Rockies have entered full-experimental mode.
Friday night at Coors Field, Trevor Story led off, Ryan McMahon batted second, rookie Sam Hilliard started in right field and rookie Yonathan Daza started in center.
Different look, same bad pitching, same results.
Pittsburgh won 9-4, sending Colorado to its 10th loss in its last 12 games. The Pirates (58-77) have the second-worst record in the National League, but are threatening to bypass the Rockies (59-77).
Things started out fine for Colorado.