That 2-6 start sure feels like a distant memory now.

Continuing their recent run of punishing offense and excellent pitching, the Sox swept the Minnesota Twins out of Fenway Park yesterday in a day-night doubleheader. They grabbed the nightcap, 7-3, on Jeff Bailey's three-run homer and a crafty outing from veteran Brad Penny.

The Sox have now won seven in a row heading into this weekend's AL East showdown against the Yankees, who have won 6-of-8, including yesterday's dramatic 9-7 walkoff victory over the Athletics.

Over 37,000 fans stuck around for the nightcap, which began after a 45-minute rain delay and then managed to go the distance despite ominous weather reports.

The Sox made the most of their five hits, with Bailey's three-run blast the big blow. They also got a pair of doubles from red-hot shortstop Nick Green, as well as a two-run double from David Ortiz.

That was plenty for Penny who scattered six hits over six innings, allowing two earned runs. He was aided by some excellent defensive plays, as well as the range of center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

Penny looked much better in the early going last night than he did on Friday against Baltimore, when he allowed six hits and eight runs in three innings despite feeling his stuff was ``unbelievable.''

Bailey's three-run homer in the second inning got the Sox off to a flying start against Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano. Bailey hit a laser into the Monster seats, reaching down with a powerful chop mildly reminiscent of former Tigers slugger Mickey Tettleton and blasting a 1-0 offering to give Penny an early lead.

Bailey was crushed when he didn't make the Red Sox roster out of spring training. He sat at his locker at City of Palms Park with his head bowed, fingers on his temples.

Then came an injury to Rocco Baldelli, which opened a spot for the man manager Terry Francona affectionately calls ``Bails.''

And last night, Bails took out his frustrations on one of the best young starters in Baseball, albeit one who's struggling.