Arrieta pitches 6 sharp innings in scoreless tie

Arrieta, who became the first Baltimore pitcher to work six innings this spring, struck out nine and walked two. He's pitched 14 2-3 shutout innings over his last three starts, allowing 11 hits, striking out 16 and walking five.

With an ERA of 1.56 this spring, Arrieta feels he's done enough to make the team.

"I think so, but it's not in my hands. All I can do is go out there and show that I belong on the team, and after that it's their decision," Arrieta said.

With 10 days left before he has to set his 25-man roster, Showalter isn't yet declaring Arrieta has made the team.

"He's shown me enough to be in the competition," Showalter said.

Jonathan Sanchez, trying to make the Pirates' staff, gave up two hits in five innings, striking out four and walking one. In his last two starts, Sanchez has pitched eight shutout innings, allowing three hits.

This was Sanchez's final appearance before he can opt out of his contract on Monday.

"It's hard to be waiting, waiting. I want to be here. They brought me here. If they need me here, I'm happy to be here. If not ...," Sanchez said.

A year ago, Sanchez, who was a stalwart on the 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants club, had a 1-9 record with a horrifying 8.07 ERA with Colorado and Kansas City. The Pirates signed him to a minor league contract last month, and after a rocky start, has done well.

Pittsburgh has tinkered with Sanchez during camp, and it's paying off.

"I went back to my old mechanics this spring and it's working. I don't know if it's my mechanics or what it is right now," Sanchez said.