Tyler Freeman's spring surge continues in Rockies' 4-4 tie with Guardians

Rockies second baseman/outfielder Tyler Freeman has been a hitting machine since returning from injury this spring. He made his Cactus League debut on Mar. 5 after missing time with a lower back strain that required an anti-inflammatory injection this past offseason.

Freeman was a versatile utility player for Colorado last season, finishing with a .281 batting average and 31 RBI over 110 games. He features a contact-heavy approach and rarely strikes out, which was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with a double, raising his spring training average to .571.

Colorado was cruising with a 2-0 lead heading into the sixth inning when the Guardians jumped on Rockies reliever Konner Eaton.

Eaton gave up an RBI double to Daniel Schneemann, followed by an RBI single to Juan Brito that gave Cleveland a one-run lead.

Eaton lasted 1.1 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits while walking four and striking out two.

Colorado tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Nicky Lopez RBI single. Lopez's hit plated pinch runner Andy Perez, who came in for Chad Stevens after he drew a walk.

Former Rockies farmhand Dom Nunez broke the 3-3 tie in the top of the ninth with an RBI single, putting Cleveland ahead 4-3.

Colorado tied the game in the bottom half of the ninth after Perez grounded out to first, scoring Max Belyeu from third.

News and notes from Colorado's 4-4 tie with Cleveland

• Third baseman Kyle Karros continues to swing a hot bat and always seems to find himself in these game recaps. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the second inning.

• Catcher Brent Sullivan has also been making some noise, going 1-for-2 as his spring average sits at .529.

• Former Rockies top prospect Adael Amador, who's looking to snag a roster spot, went 1-for-2 with a run scored.

• Seth Halvorsen continues to look like himself after a rough start, pitching a scoreless inning with one walk and two strikeouts.

• Veteran reliever John Brebbia has been a solid option for the pen this spring and is also looking for a roster spot. The right-hander has yet to give up a run this spring, striking out two in his lone inning of work.

• Mickey Moniak had a rough day at the dish, striking out twice in three plate appearances. Hunter Goodman was in the same boat, going 0-for-4 as his average dropped to .100 this spring. He did hit the ball hard a few times, which was a positive.

The Rockies get back to work Monday afternoon when they face the Chicago White Sox.