Byrd is sharp in first start in nearly a year

Paul Byrd, making his first major league start since September, gave up three hits over six innings, and the Boston Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays with a 7-0 victory Sunday.

The Red Sox pulled 3 1/2 games ahead of Texas in the American League wild-card race.

Byrd, out of baseball after finishing last year with the Red Sox, signed a minor league contract Aug. 5.

The Red Sox sent Roy Halladay (13-8) to his third consecutive loss.