BELLE GLADE- The Glades Day Gators varsity baseball team is 4-2 after a fast start to their 2020-21 season.

Like every other team around the lake last year, the Gators’ season was cut short due to the emergence of COVID-19. Last season Glades Day had notched a 6-2 record before things were shut down.

The Gators had big, double-digit wins over Pahokee, Glades Central, and Atlantic Christian. Their two losses of the season were only by two runs. It looked like the Gators were in a good spot to possibly make a playoff run, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Still, not all was lost during last year. Young players like eighth grader Marquis Clarke were able to get some experience under their belt before things were shut down. That experience is paying dividends this season.

Clarke, now a freshman, led the Gators on the pitcher’s mound during their last game against the Moore Haven Terriers on March 9. Clarke struck-out 12 batters and allowed only one hit in five innings pitched. The Gators went on to win that game 13-0.

That win completes a season sweep of the Terriers by the Gators, with Glades Day taking the first matchup back on 15-0. Junior Dylan Wilkins and senior Brayden Browder both hit doubles in that season opening game.

The Gators two losses this season were a close 6-3 game against Clewiston, and a 13-7 loss to Palm Beach Lakes. Glades Day fell behind early to Palm Beach, but climbed back into the game with a 4-run fifth inning to make the game 6-5. A 6-run performance by Palm Beach in the bottom of the sixth innings ultimately put the game out of reach.

Glades Day will have a chance to avenge one of those losses next week when they host the Clewiston Tigers in Belle Glade on March 24. The Tigers are currently 7-3 and should give the Gators another tough matchup. The Gators close out this month with another home game against Boca Raton Christian on March 25.

The Gators and Tigers take the field at 4 p.m. on March 24.