Quakes close in on title, but it could be costly

The Quakes clinched at least a tie for the South Division first-half title with a 4-3 victory over the 66ers on Monday night at the Epicenter.

They now lead the Sixers and Mavericks by six games each with six games remaining, but the victory may cost them one of their three all-stars.

Starting all-star shortstop Jake Lemmerman was hit on the side of his right (throwing) hand with a pitch in the seventh inning and came out of the game. He went for x-rays after the game.

“If it’s broken, he’ll miss the all-star game,” Quakes manager Juan Bustabad said.

If it isn’t broken, Lemmerman is just day to day and the Quakes don’t make a roster move, they will probably go with the defensive alignment they used for the final two innings Monday: second baseman Rafael Ynoa at shortstop, third baseman Travis Denker at second and Tony Delmonico at third.

All the Quakes need to do to clinch the first half title before hitting the road is win either Tuesday or Wednesday.