Joe Ryan pitched six innings of two-hit ball, helping the Minnesota Twins edge the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Thursday.

Miguel Sano’s sacrifice fly off Zack Grienke in the second inning represented the game’s only run.

Jhoan Duran and Joe Smith then handed that slimmest of leads to Emilio Pagan, who worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for the Twins’ first save this season. Their bullpen had blown both previous chances.

Zack Greinke (0-1) allowed six hits and a walk while striking out five, and Kansas City’s bullpen kept the game close the rest of the way, running its scoreless streak to 21 1/3 innings — all to no avail.

UP NEXT

The Royals open a weekend series at Seattle tonight. Brad Keller is scheduled to start for Kansas City, and Chris Flexen for the Mariners. Pregame begins at 8 o’clock, with game time at 8:40. You can hear the broadcast from the Royals’ Radio Network on KMMO FM 102.9.