Blackmon returning to leadoff spot Friday

Blackmon's solo home run PITTSBURGH -- The experiment with Charlie Blackmon batting third in the Rockies' order may not last beyond Wednesday, but Blackmon has shown he can handle it if the club decides to move him back there in the future.

Wednesday's game with the Pirates will mark the end of regular No. 3 hitter Nolan Arenado's suspension for his involvement in last Wednesday's fight vs. the Padres. In his first four games in the spot, Blackmon -- the usual leadoff hitter -- batted .375 (6-for-16) with three home runs and seven RBIs.

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But there is no quarrel with Blackmon's work at No. 1 -- a .282 average with a .391 on-base percentage and a .641 slugging percentage…