NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Drew Carson scored four times and made a game-ending catch at the left-field wall to help Southern Miss defeat Marshall 5-3 in a Conference USA winner’s bracket game Friday.

With the win, the second-seeded Golden Eagles (40-18) improved to 2-0 in the tournament. The sixth-seeded Thundering Herd (27-29-1) will play Tulane in an elimination game Saturday morning.

Carson, who hit a three-run homer to help Southern Miss beat Central Florida on Wednesday, did a bit of everything against Marshall. He hit a solo homer in the second and doubled twice, scoring each time. He also saved a run with a sprinting catch in the seventh and stole home in the ninth.

Marshall attempted a comeback in the ninth. Behind 5-2, the Thundering Herd scored a run and loaded the bases against national saves leader Tyler Conn before Victor Gomez lofted a high fly deep into left field.

Carson caught it with his back against the wall.

Vidalia native Barry Bowden (8-3) got the win, limiting Marshall to four hits and one earned run in six innings. Conn earned his nation-leading 18th save.

Dan Straily (4-4) took the loss, giving up six hits in 7 2/3 innings.