The standings indicate the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies are at the bottom of their respective divisions as the teams prepare for their three-game series starting Friday in Pittsburgh. However, the two squads are coming off respectable showings against division leaders.

Colorado ended a four-game series against the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers with a 9-5 loss Thursday. Still, the Rockies split the series and won five times during their eight-game homestand.

Brenton Doyle went 2-for-3 with four RBIs in Thursday's matinee, including a 442-foot two-run homer, his 13th of the season. The center fielder has been one of the game's hottest batters since the All-Star break, hitting .395 (34-for-86) with six homers and 19 RBIs.

Since July 18, Doyle's average has jum

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