Photo credit: @Athletics

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK — The Oakland Athletics got off to a good start for Labor Day weekend Friday night by beating the New York Yankees 8-2, for the fourth time this season, with big plays by Jurickson Profar and Seth Brown.

Profar hit a homer off C.C. Sebathia in the second inning, giving the A’s a 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, Austin Romine hit the ball toward Marcus Semien who threw it to Profar, but Profar struggled with footwork and allowed a Yankees run. It was initially called a double play but overturned after the review showed Romine was safe.

“I took my foot off the base a little early, but it was a tough play because it was a slow roller,” Profar said. “It was the only play I had. Now, with the replay, they’re going to call that safe.” But Profar redeemed himself in the sixth inning with a two-run double that gave the A’s a 4-2 lead.

Brown, called up Monday by the A’s from Triple-A Las Vegas, contributed two RBI singles.

“I’m just happy I’m out here and pulling my weight,” Brown said. He is the first player to get 10 hits in his first five games since Spook Jacobs did for the Philadelphia A’s in 1954.

A’s pitcher Brett Anderson allowed two runs and a double play in six innings.

Yankees pitcher Sabathia was pulled after only three innings due to right knee discomfort.

The A’s now trail the Cleveland Indians by only a half-game for the top AL wild card.

Oakland swept the Yankees in a three-game series last week. The Yankees lead the AL East. The series at Yankee Stadium continues Saturday and Sunday, with first pitch for both at 1:05 p.m. ET.

A’s manager Bob Melvin is not underestimating the Yankees.

“You know what, we just played some good games against them,” Melvin said. “I mean we’ve got two more to go. It’s a really good team, they play great at home. They’re a challenge, big challenge.”