Rockies spring training recap: Kyle Freeland finishes Cactus League with a flourish

Rockies 3, Rangers 2
At Surprise Stadium

On the mound: Kyle Freeland, who will start Thursday’s season-opener against the Diamondbacks, closed out his spring with another strong performance, pitching five scoreless innings to finish with a 2.87 ERA. The lefty said the command of his changeup wasn’t great Friday, but his fastball and slider were effective. He walked two, gave up two hits and struck out two. Freeland struck out 16 and walked only three in Cactus League action. … Lefty-hander Ty Blach, trying to make the team as a non-roster invitee, has had a solid camp but was charged with two runs on three hits over three innings. … Lefty Jalen Beeks, who’s solidified a spot in the bullpen, pitched another spotless inning. Beeks has posted a 1.42 ERA over his last seven outings with two walks and three strikeouts.

At the plate: Michael Toglia led off the ninth with a homer, tying the game, 2-2. It was Toglia’s fifth homer of the Cactus League season and it broke an 0-for-13 skid. The first baseman/outfielder is battling for a roster spot and he’s shown up relatively well, hitting .271 with a .988 OPS. … Bradley Zimmer, trying to make the team as a fifth outfielder, boosted his average to .378 with a 3-for-4 day and also stole a base. … Catcher Elias Diaz hit a one-out, solo homer in the sixth. It was his third long ball of spring.