NATCHITOCHES – As is typical with in-state rivals, there are numerous ties between the Northwestern State and Louisiana Tech baseball teams.
 
Many of those will be on display Tuesday night when the Demons host the Bulldogs at 6 p.m. in the first of four straight games between the teams. Following Tuesday's game – which airs on ESPN+ -- the teams will play a three-game weekend series in Ruston.
 
The four straight games will mark the first time the teams have played more than two games in a season since 2004 when the Demons won all three meetings between the teams. The Bulldogs (13-3) swept the season series in 2022.
 
"It's hard to think about it, but I'm sure in all of our careers we've probably done some things that seem a little bit unorthodox," first-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. "Regardless of the setup, we're proud to take the team we have to compete against such a high-quality opponent. Then you have the unique setup with (former NSU and current Louisiana Tech head) coach (Lane) Burroughs and (former NSU head and current Louisiana Tech associate head) coach (Mitch) Gaspard and the relationships we all have. The players are the same way with their relationships and friendships they have.
 
"It's a very unique setup and a unique situation, but nonetheless proud to be able to do and excited for it. It means so much for both universities, for both teams and for both cities. To be able to do it with all of the fun things surrounding it, it doesn't matter how unique it is, we're just excited to get back out there."
 
For the second straight mid-week game, the Demons (4-12) will give the ball to right-hander Kevin Robinson (0-1), whose own ties to the rivalry run as deep as anyone wearing 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 acquitted himself well in his first career start, tossing four innings of one-run ball against UL Lafayette on March 6, which came one week after he threw two scoreless innings in relief in a game at UL Lafayette.
 
"A great representation of the program and where we're at and what we want to continue to do," Bertrand said. "We're excited about giving Kevin the baseball because we're excited about seeing what step No. 3 in that growth is. We feel like he's earned it. He earned the opportunity he got at Lafayette. The start against Lafayette earned him the opportunity this week. He represents and embodies what we are trying to get our team to do, which is continue to compete, continue to take whatever it is you have as your strengths and go out and be on the attack and grow and get better with each outing."
 
Bertrand pointed to his freshman's ability to remain even keeled in all situations as a key for what could be an emotional moment for the young pitcher.
 
The Bulldogs will throw senior right-hander Reed Smith (0-1, 6.46) against Robinson. Smith started both midweek matchups with the Demons a season ago, throwing a total of 7 1-3 innings and allowing nine runs (eight earned) while picking up a pair of no-decisions.