The Brewers' Andrew McCutchen hits a single during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies on Monday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kyle Freeland capitalized on a long break between starts to make some changes that helped him break out of his slump.

Freeland pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Daniel Bard worked his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth and the Colorado Rockies avoided a four-game sweep with a 2-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.

Freeland had posted an 8.44 ERA in his three previous July starts. He hadn’t pitched since July 14, when he lasted just four innings in an 8-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. After getting removed from that game, he grabbed a bat and struck the light on the dugout ceiling several times to shatter it before tossing the bat away.

Freeland got help from Elias Diaz, who continued his hot streak with a homer as the Rockies beat the Brewers for the first time in their last nine games. Colorado had defeated the Brewers seven straight times before that.

After failing to get a runner beyond first base through the first eight innings, the Brewers nearly came all the way back in the ninth.

Christian Yelich hit a leadoff single. Willy Adames followed with a potential double-play grounder, but the Rockies failed to get anyone out as second baseman Brendan Rodgers bobbled the ball and threw late to first.

Bard retired Andrew McCutchen and Hunter Renfroe before walking Rowdy Tellez to move the tying run to second and put the potential winning run at first. Rodgers then snared Luis Urias’ liner to help Bard earn his 21st save in 23 opportunities.