Andrews kept its perfect season rolling Tuesday night, holding off Murphy 4-3 to remain unbeaten and firmly in control of the Smoky Mountain Conference race.

The Wildcats wasted no time setting the tone. Logan Hyde drove in a run with a single in the first inning, and Andrews added to its lead in the second. A sacrifice fly from Logan Shular stretched the advantage to 3-0 and put Murphy on its heels early.

That early cushion proved just enough.

Murphy answered back behind a gritty effort from Colton Morgan, who settled in after the first two innings and gave the Bulldogs a chance. Morgan went six innings, allowing four runs, none earned, while striking out six.

The Bulldogs chipped away at the lead throughout the night. Morgan also led Murphy at the plate, going 2-for-2, while Aayden Williams and Carter Adams each drove in a run. Murphy showed patience offensively, drawing seven walks, and applied pressure on the bases with two steals from Konner Dockery.

Defensively, the Bulldogs turned two double plays to stay within striking distance, but Andrews made just enough plays late to preserve the win.

Hyde and Dawson Stalcup led the way offensively for the Wildcats with two hits apiece, continuing to fuel an Andrews lineup that has been one of the most consistent in the conference.

With the win, Andrews stays unbeaten on the season and remains alone at the top of the Smoky Mountain Conference standings, continuing to look every bit like the team to beat as the season rolls on.