Bud Black, Ryan McMahon know they need to clean it up

Few things in Bud Black’s baseball life make him happier than a clean, well-pitched game. And few things turn Black’s smile into a frown quicker than sloppy defense.

Unfortunately for the Rockies’ manager, there’s been plenty to frown about this season.

The Rockies’ blueprint is predicated on pitchers inducing groundball outs. While their 43 double plays lead the majors, their defense has not been crisp. Poor defense is part of the reason the Rockies have lost eight of their last nine games on the road, where . . .