Softball Game Preview: Murphy Bulldogs vs. Cherokee Braves

Murphy is 8-2 against Cherokee since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The Bulldogs will host the Braves at 6:00 p.m. Murphy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

Murphy gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They blew past Hayesville 9-3.

Paisley Johnson

Batters Struck Out

04/29/25 @ Hayesville	11
04/28/25 @ Hiwassee Dam	8
04/24/25 vs Hiwassee Dam	15
04/21/25 @ Franklin	5

Paisley Johnson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on seven hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Murphy got a massive performance out of Aiden Smith, who went 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That's the most RBI Smith has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Emma Laney, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.

Murphy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .382. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Cherokee's offense. They lost 10-0 to Robbinsville on Tuesday. The Braves just can't catch a break and have now endured three defeats in a row.

Cherokee now has a losing record of 5-6. As for Murphy, their win bumped their record up to 11-7.

Murphy was able to grind out a solid victory over Cherokee in their previous matchup back in March, winning 5-2. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Braves have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.