Concern growing as losses increase

SITTSBURGH» There is no panic in the Rockies’ clubhouse, no finger pointing. But there is growing frustration and a heightened sense of urgency to turn things around.

All-star third baseman Nolan Arenado made that clear after a 14-6 drubbing delivered by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, which left the Rockies (22-26) treading water and in fourth place in the National League West. They finished an eightgame road trip with a 3-5 record.

“It’s not very good, that’s how I see it,” Arenado said. “I mean, it’s just not good enough. It’s not (lack) of effort, it’s not any of those things.

“We just have to start putting it together. Either we are pitching good and not hitting, or we are hitting and not pitching. I think once we put it together, we’ll start playing really good baseball. Until then, it’s going to be a little bumpy.”

Thursday’s loss was very bumpy in a game played out in three distinct acts.

Act One: Pittsburgh’s Jordan Lyles, a former Rockies starter, dominated for five innings, while Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela imploded.

Act Two: Colorado roared back in the sixth inning, cutting the Pirates’ lead to 8-6.

Act Three: The Pirates teed off on reliever Carlos Estevez for three home runs in a six-run seventh. Josh Bell, an early season National League MVP candidate, led off the inning with a solo homer, his 16th, and finished the day 3-for-4, boosting his batting average to .339.

Colorado pitchers have served up 69 home runs in 48 games and are on pace to give