NATHITOCHES – As is typical of in-state rivalries, there are numerous connections between the Northwestern State University and Louisiana Tech University baseball teams.
Many of those will be on display Tuesday night in the first of a four-game series when the Demons take on the Bulldogs at 6 p.m. Following Tuesday's game, which will be aired on ESPN+, both teams will play a three-game weekend series in Ruston.
The four-game series marks the first time the teams have played more than one game in a season since 2004, when the Demons won all three meetings between the teams. The Bulldogs (13-3) swept the 2022 season series.
“It's hard to think about it, but I think we've done some things in our career that probably look a little unconventional,” the first-year head coach said. chris bertrand Said. “I'm proud to have a team that can play against such quality opponents, no matter the structure. That way, I'm proud to have (former NSU and current Louisiana Tech head) Coach (Lane) Burrows and (former Louisiana Tech head) The relationships that we all have with NSU principal and current Louisiana Tech associate head coach (Mitch) Gaspard, and the same relationships and friendships that we have with our players.
“It's a very unique setup, a unique situation, but nevertheless, I'm proud and excited to be able to do it. It's a very unique setup for both universities, both teams, and both cities. It makes sense to be able to do that with everyone, there's a lot of fun stuff around it and it doesn't matter how unique it is, we're just excited to get back out there. ”
For the second consecutive midweek game, the Demons (4-12) give the ball to a right-handed pitcher. kevin robinson (0-1), who has more ties to the rivalry than anyone who wore the purple and white this week.
A freshman from Shreveport, Robinson's father, Daniel, played three seasons at Louisiana Tech before being drafted by the then-Florida Marlins.
kevin robinson On March 6, against Ulu-Lafayette, he pitched four innings with one run allowed and was acquitted in his first career start. A week later, he pitched two scoreless innings as a reliever in a game at Ur-Lafayette.
“It's a great representation of the program and where we are and what we want to continue to do,” Bertrand said. “We're excited to entrust Kevin with baseball because we're looking forward to seeing what step No. 3 takes in his development. We feel he's earned it. .He earned the opportunity he got at Lafayette. In his start against Lafayette, he did what we're trying to get our team to do, which is continue to compete and do what we have. It represents and embodies the idea of continuing to take all of that as your strengths and being aggressive and growing and getting better every time you go out.”
Bertrand pointed to the freshman's ability to remain steady in all situations as a key to what could be an emotional moment for the young pitcher.
The Bulldogs will play senior right-hander Reid Smith (0-1, 6.46) against Robinson. Smith started both midweek games against the Demons a season ago, pitching seven 1-3 innings and allowing nine runs (eight earned) with two shutouts.
