MINNEAPOLIS, May 7 (UPI) -- Kansas City Royals interim manager John Mizerock probably wishes Paul Byrd could start every game.
Byrd and two relievers combined on a five-hitter giving Mizerock his first win as the Royals posted a 4-1 triumph over the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night.
The Royals dropped their first six games under Mizerock, who replaced Tony Muser on April 29. During that stretch, the staff ERA was 7.12.
Byrd (5-2), who has been one of the few bright spots in a already dismal season, allowed just three singles over seven scoreless innings.
Byrd opened the season by becoming the first Royals pitcher to win his first four starts since Bret Saberhagen in 1987. But in his last two starts, he had been roughed up nine runs and 10 hits.
Jason Grimsley allowed a home run to Cristian Guzman in the eighth before closer Roberto Hernandez retired Minnesota in order in the ninth to notch his first save.
Minnesota's Matt Kinney (1-2) matched Byrd for five innings, before Mike Sweeney's sacrifice fly gave the Royals a 1-0 lead.
