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Head Coach Lonny Landry talking with player as the Ascension Blue Gators take on Holy Savior Menard in game two of the semi final round of the LHSAA playoffs. Sunday, May 5, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/THE ADVERTISER)

The Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators baseball lost several talentedseniors from last season's Division III state runner-up team, including ace pitcher Sean Michael Brady.

However, the Blue Gators came out of the gate strong with a young group that featured only one senior in the starting lineup, and compiled an 8-1 record.

But their promising season along with every other spring sports team in the area was suspended due to COVID-19.

The Blue Gators were on the field when they found out about the suspension, and it may have very well been the last time they stepped onto the field this season.

We had to stop playing and never got an opportunity to finish,"Blue Gators head coach Lonny Landry said. "We have a young group that plays hard. They haven't received interest yet, but they have the ability to play at the college level. Their play on the field determines if they get offered or not."

Blake Pearson at the plate as Ascension Episcopal takes on St. Thomas Aquinas in the semi final round at the LHSAA State Championship. Wednesday, May 8, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network)

The Blue Gators are doing all they can to stay in shape.

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"Theyve been working out at home, kind of coaching themselves, but its completely different than being supervised," Landry said."We were playing really well with a young group of kids who were competing their tails off."

The key senior leader for the Blue Gators was pitcher/outfielder Blake Pearson, who may have played his final baseball game.

"Blake was our only senior starter," Landry said. "He's going to medical school and was just playing for the love of the game."

Pearsonwas the leader of the Blue Gators' pitching staff so far with a perfect record at 3-0, and hewas complemented by sophomore pitchersLogan Overton and Hayden Cormier.

"Loganwas getting stronger and stronger every time he got on the mound," Landry said. "It's a shame that he'llhave to basically start from zero again, workload-wise, but everyone will be in the same boat. Haydendid a great job in relief."

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The Blue Gators were also off to a strong start offensively with a young lineup which included freshman BlaiseBlancher, sophomore Barrett Hebert and junior Preston Ocmand.

"Blaise Blancer's a freshman, and it's his second year starting," Landry said. "He's got potential to play college baseball. We've also had strong play from sophomore first baseman Barrett Hebert and junior Preston Ocmand, who's our leadoff hitter.It'stough that they're missing out on valuable reps and just being seen."

Preston Ocmand throws down to first as Ascension Episcopal falls to Calvary Baptist Championship round at the LHSAA State Tournament. Monday, May 13, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network)

Even if the Blue Gatorscan't get back to playing this season, Landry'sproud of his young team's efforts and is excited about their potential for the future.

"The guys did a great job this offsesaon," Landry said. "If it doesn't happen this year, we'll just have to get back to playing this summer to get ready for next season."

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Spencer Urquhart covers high school sports for The Daily Advertiser. Email him at surquhart@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter @surquhart98.

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Ascension baseball team trying to make the best of downtime - Daily Advertiser