DETROIT — Minnesota’s postseason hopes may depend on how often the Twins can beat a rebuilding Detroit team.

So far, they’ve had a pretty easy time of it this week.

Max Kepler and Brian Dozier homered, Byron Buxton had three hits and the playoff-chasing Twins beat the Tigers 7-3 on Friday night. Minnesota has taken the first two games of this four-game set, and the Twins finish the regular season next week with three more against Detroit.

“We know that we’re in for a fight. These guys have played us tough the last few years,” Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. “They’ve semi-dominated us in some regards. Obviously, there’s a lot on the line.”

The Detroit team of the past few years looked nothing like the Tigers do now. They’re 4-18 in September, and they announced before Friday’s game that manager Brad Ausmus will not be back in 2018.

“It’s always difficult when you find out news like that,” Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler said. “Whether they’re moving on, losing their job or getting traded, whatever the news is, it’s always difficult to take. You have to have some time to kind of wrap your head around it.”

Minnesota came into the night leading the race for the American League’s second wild card by 2 ½ games over Texas and the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels lost to Houston on Friday night, and Texas played at Oakland.

Kyle Gibson (12-10) allowed three runs and five hits in seven innings for the Twins. He struck out six and walked two.

Daniel Norris (4-8) allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.