The Quakes entered play on Tuesday tied with Lake Elsinore with the South Division’s final playoff spot.
By the end of Tuesday night, they had sole possession of the spot.
The Quakes, behind three hits apiece by Austin Gallagher and Pedro Baez, the first pro home run by Yasiel Puig, and solid pitching by Garrett Gould (5-9), downed High Desert 4-2.
Meanwhile, a four-run sixth inning propelled San Jose past Lake Elsinore, 7-4. The Storm’s loss gave the Quakes a one-game lead.
Meanwhile, the 66ers, who entered the game three games back of the Quakes and Lake Elsinore, fell to Lancaster 7-2 as Telvin Nash hit a grand slam. The Sixers are now four games back with six to play.