Pressure on for Quakes; Wells set to join 66ers

When the High Desert Mavericks came to Rancho Cucamonga for a four-game series that began on Wednesday, the Quakes had a chance to put a stranglehold on the first half South Division race. The Quakes led by 5 games with 18 to play. Instead, thanks to the Mavericks winning 3 of 4 (including Saturday’s 7-4 win), the Quakes’ once formidable lead is down to 3 games with 14 remaining.

The teams are done playing each other for the first half, but the Mavericks hold all the momentum now.

The Quakes’ remaining first half schedule beginning today: 3 at Bakersfield (29-27), day off, 4 vs. Visalia (25-30), 3 vs. 66ers (24-32), 4 at Stockton (29-27). The Mavericks’ remaining schedule beginning today: 3 vs. 66ers (24-32), day off, 4 vs. Lake Elsinore (25-31),  3 at Stockton (29-27), 4 at Lake Elsinore (25-31).

Meanwhile, the Mavericks will have a deal with a big leaguer for at least one game beginning Sunday: Angels outfielder Vernon Wells, who will begin a rehab assignment with the 66ers as he recovers from a groin strain. Game time in Adelanto is 5:05 p.m. It seems Wells was originally supposed to rehab with Triple-A Salt Lake, but possible bad weather in Reno (where Salt Lake is supposed to play) had the Angels shift his rehab assignment to the Cal League. No word on how many games he’s scheduled to play for the 66ers.