BRADENTON, Fla. — Aaron Harang's rough March smoothed out considerably with an unusual performance for the relaxed world of spring training, where velocity, control and pitch selection matter much more than results.

He didn't allow a hit.

The Reds right-hander bounced back from a bad start to hold the Pittsburgh Pirates without a hit for six innings Sunday, facing only two batters over the minimum while pitching the Reds to a 6-0 victory.

Pittsburgh, which got a similar but not quite-as-good start Saturday from Paul Maholm while beating Cincinnati 6-5, managed one hit each against relievers Mike Lincoln and David Weathers to avoid the embarrassment of being no-hit.

"I was working on my changeup and slider," said Harang, the Reds' scheduled opening day starter. "I feel good because I was throwing them in counts that I wouldn't normally. I kept it down and kept them off balance."

Especially considering that Harang had little command while giving up six runs, all earned, and seven hits in 3 1-3 innings Tuesday.

Pirates manager John Russell wasn't discouraged even though his team was limited to singles by Nate McLouth and Craig Monroe. A strong wind in the 25-to-30 mph range that blew in from center field held up some well-hit balls by both teams.