Sixers got 2 insurance runs in the eighth inning to win their fourth straight beating High Desert 5-2 on THursday. The Sixers lead the race for the wild-card spot over the Mavericks by five games.

The Quakes meanwhile, moved into a tie for the second-half race in the South Division by beating Lake Elsinore 7-3 at The Diamond on  Thursday.

The Cal League schedule for next year is out as well, but I don’t have time to fully analyze it as I am getting ready for vacation.

The highlights: Season opens Thursday April 5 with the Sixers playing at the Quakes.

The Sixers’ home opener is a week later, Thursday April 12, when they host High Desert.

The Sixers will also host the Quakes on July 4. The Quakes, as usual, will have their Independence Day fireworks on July 3, this time hosting High Desert.

Both teams will finish the season on the road. the Sixers at Lake Elsinore and the Quakes at Bakersfield. The season ends on Labor Day, September 3.