Sam Adams Sam Adams joined the Rocky Mountain News in 1996, first as the Denver Broncos beat reporter before taking his current role as sports notes columnist. The Colorado Association of Black Journalists voted Adams the Print Journalist of the Year award in 2003.

In baseball, if a three-run home run is the manager's best friend, then a walk probably is his pitchers' worst enemy.

The Rockies haven’t hit many three-run homers this season, but they haven't allowed many walks either -- and that might help to explain why the pitching staff has been one of the best in baseball this season.

Going into Sunday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants, the Rockies were on pace to establish a franchise record for least number of walks allowed in a 162-game season.

Colorado and the Arizona Diamondbacks were tied for fifth in the National League in walks allowed (352). Four of the N.L. West's five teams ranked among the top six in least number of walks allowed, with the San Diego Padres at No. 2 (318) and Los Angeles Dodgers at No. 4 (346). The Cincinnati Reds ranked No. 1 in the N.L. with only 318 walks allowed.

The Minnesota Twins ranked No. 1 in the majors with only 235 walks allowed.

In four starts prior to Sunday's game, the Rockies' pitching staff allowed just five walks in 38 innings -- two of them by the starters.

NOTEWORTHY

The "Heat is On": Jay Cutler: Broncos fans are anxious to see you put that arm in action, rook. Better bring the goods on Friday in Detroit.

"Do You Remember?" . . . Former Rampart High athlete Jamaal Lewis. Lewis, who averaged 19 yards per catch as a tight end for Arizona State last year, has been moved to wide receiver for his senior season. Former Doherty High athlete Shaun DeWitty (running back) and former Mullen High athlete Grant Crunkleton (defensive back) are listed on the Sun Devils’ roster. Arizona State plays at Colorado on Sept. 16.