The Midweek Preview: LSU Baseball vs. Northwestern State Demons on Tuesday

As the LSU Tigers look to stay hot and build momentum through the 2025 baseball season, they’ll face a crucial test on Tuesday, April 22, when they take on the Northwestern State Demons in a midweek matchup. While midweek games often serve as a break from the pressure-packed conference battles that dominate the weekend slate, this contest holds significant value for LSU as it provides an opportunity to continue refining their roster ahead of the most important games of the year.

For the Tigers, the midweek game represents more than just a victory. It’s a chance to solidify their rhythm, tweak lineup combinations, and get pitchers who haven’t had consistent action on the mound an opportunity to sharpen their skills. Though Northwestern State is not a conference opponent, LSU will take this contest seriously as it looks to maintain its position among the best teams in the nation.

As we dive into the details of the matchup, let’s take a closer look at LSU’s season up to this point, how they match up against the Demons, and what fans can expect from the game.

LSU’s Current Form

LSU enters the game against Northwestern State with a season record that firmly positions them as one of the premier teams in college baseball. Under head coach Jay Johnson, the Tigers have found themselves in the conversation for postseason success, especially after the team’s impressive run in SEC play. A balanced roster of seasoned veterans and promising young talent has allowed LSU to thrive across all aspects of the game, from explosive offensive showings to shutdown pitching performances.

Offensively, the Tigers have been a powerhouse, with numerous batters capable of making an impact at any given moment. LSU’s batting lineup is not only deep but also dynamic, capable of adjusting to different pitching styles. The top of the order, with players like Dylan Crews, Tre’ Morgan, and Tommy White, has been particularly potent, while the bottom half of the lineup has shown surprising flashes of power. What sets LSU apart, though, is the consistency of its offense, a quality that has allowed them to score in bunches and put opponents on the defensive early.

Defensively, LSU has been equally impressive, with their fielding and pitching setting the foundation for their success. The Tigers’ pitching rotation, in particular, has been one of the best in the country, with the team boasting several aces who can dominate on the mound. Their bullpen has also been a strength, with a solid mix of arms capable of closing games or eating up innings in relief.

But as much as the Tigers have been great this season, they’ve also faced some challenges. They’ve had a few close calls in SEC play and could improve in areas like base running and plate discipline. Tuesday’s game against Northwestern State is an opportunity for the Tigers to continue their momentum while ironing out any remaining kinks.

Northwestern State’s Season So Far

The Demons, on the other hand, come into the game as heavy underdogs. Though not known for being a powerhouse in NCAA baseball, Northwestern State has shown some resilience this season and will look to bring a competitive edge to Baton Rouge on Tuesday night. The Demons have had an up-and-down campaign, but they’ve picked up some notable wins, particularly against regional opponents, which shows they have the potential to pull off an upset.

Offensively, Northwestern State’s lineup has been solid, but they’re not quite as explosive as LSU’s. They’ve struggled with consistency at times and haven’t been able to put up the type of run support needed to back up their pitchers in high-stakes games. In particular, their ability to hit against elite pitching will be put to the test against LSU’s formidable rotation, which has stifled opponents throughout the season.

Defensively, the Demons have been decent, but they’ll need to be nearly perfect to keep the Tigers from piling on runs. With LSU’s offense in full swing, mistakes on the field could quickly snowball into a blowout. Northwestern State’s pitchers will need to be sharp and rely on smart strategies to keep LSU hitters off balance.

Pitching Matchup: LSU’s Strength

For LSU, the pitching staff is without question the key to its continued success. The Tigers have an abundance of depth in this area, and Tuesday’s game will give some of the lesser-used arms a chance to prove themselves. While the team has relied heavily on its top starters for weekend games, this midweek contest provides the opportunity to give a few pitchers some much-needed work before the stretch run of the season.

Look for LSU to send a pitcher to the mound who hasn’t seen as many innings lately. With the bullpen becoming increasingly important as the postseason nears, the Tigers will likely turn to a pitcher who can eat up some innings, whether they are a true freshman or a player looking to regain form.

One of the pitchers to watch for LSU could be Ty Floyd, who has had an up-and-down season but has shown flashes of brilliance. As a pitcher who can blow fastballs by batters but also mix in secondary pitches with precision, he could give the Demons a tough time at the plate. LSU’s pitching staff is loaded with strikeout potential, and Tuesday’s game is an opportunity for them to continue racking up K’s and limiting free passes.

Key Players to Watch

While LSU’s roster is full of talent, there are a few standout players who fans should pay close attention to during the game. Dylan Crews, a dynamic outfielder, has been nothing short of spectacular this season and has firmly established himself as one of the premier hitters in college baseball. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a constant threat to Northwestern State’s pitchers.

Alongside Crews, Tre’ Morgan has been one of LSU’s most reliable bats. His ability to get on base and make things happen with his speed makes him a key catalyst for LSU’s offense. Whether he’s turning singles into doubles or scoring runs in clutch situations, Morgan’s presence on the base paths adds another layer to LSU’s already potent offense.

In the field, shortstop Jordan Thompson continues to impress with his glove and his leadership in the infield. He plays a critical role in LSU’s defense, often turning double plays and keeping opposing hitters from finding gaps. His steady presence gives the pitching staff confidence, knowing that they can rely on solid defense behind them.

For Northwestern State, senior infielder Greg Korte has been a standout, providing some pop in the lineup and a veteran presence. His ability to make consistent contact will be a key factor in whether the Demons can keep up with LSU’s offensive onslaught.

What to Expect

Tuesday’s game will likely follow a similar script to most of LSU’s midweek games this season: the Tigers will come out strong, putting pressure on the Demons from the first pitch. Northwestern State will need to be on top of their game, executing in all facets of the game to stay competitive. If LSU’s pitchers can avoid giving up free passes and stay aggressive in the strike zone, it will be a long night for the Demons.

Offensively, LSU’s lineup will look to attack early and often, working counts and making sure to take advantage of any mistakes that Northwestern State’s pitchers make. Look for LSU to put together long innings with multiple batters getting on base, leading to potential big innings where they can break the game open.

As always, the key for LSU will be pitching, and the Tigers will be focused on limiting walks, getting ahead in counts, and relying on their bullpen to finish the game. With the postseason around the corner, this is the type of game where players can fine-tune their skills before heading into more critical SEC and postseason matchups.

For Northwestern State, any chance of an upset will rely heavily on their ability to execute a perfect game plan on the mound. They’ll need to stay calm in the face of a powerful LSU lineup, avoiding walks and limiting hard contact. On offense, they’ll need to capitalize on any mistakes LSU’s pitchers make and keep the pressure on LSU’s defense.

Overall, LSU enters this game as the clear favorite, but as always in college baseball, anything can happen. With both teams hungry for a win, fans can expect a thrilling midweek contest, full of action, strategy, and the high level of talent that makes LSU one of the premier programs in the country.

The Tigers will look to continue their march toward postseason glory, and for Northwestern State, this game will serve as another valuable opportunity to test their mettle against one of the nation’s top teams. Regardless of the outcome, this midweek matchup will be a key moment in both teams’ seasons, and a contest that no fan will want to miss.