The Golden Eagles hosted the University of New Orleans (14-12) Wednesday, winning 8 – 4 and improving to 21 – 5 on the season.

“We really talk about playing the game and not the opponent,” said Head Coach Scott Berry. “If you’re good at anything, people want a piece of you and that doesn’t keep you from how you prepare and play.”

Junior Taylor Braley kick-started the Southern Miss offense in the bottom of the second inning with a double to left field. After a walk and a sac fly, second baseman Storme Cooper recorded his first career home run, collecting three RBIs, giving Southern Miss a 3 – 0 lead.

The next four innings would prove unproductive for Southern Miss as they accumulated one hit and no runs while the Privateers recorded two runs on three hits to cut into the deficit, 3 – 2.

The highlight of the game came from the Golden Eagles’ performance in the seventh inning.

“We just tried to put the ball in play and have runners in scoring positions,” said shortstop LeeMarcus Boyd.

After a pitching change in the bottom of the seventh inning for the Privateers, Boyd delivered a solo home run to left field to give Southern Miss a one-run lead, 4 – 3. Boyd’s home run would spark momentum for the Golden Eagles as Dylan Burdeaux doubled off of an 0 – 2 count. Daniel Keating would deliver an RBI double to bring home Burdeaux, then Hunter Slater would single to bring home Keating, 6-3.

Seven of the eight runs Southern Miss scored came off of two-out RBIs. The Golden Eagles recorded 10 hits on the night while capping the Privateers to only seven.

Southern Miss looks to claim its 22nd win of the season Friday against Western Kentucky. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m.