BRIEFLY; BENTON 12-U TEAM LOSES IN BRACKET PLAY

JAMESTOWN, NY -- The Benton Nationals 12-and-under all-star softball team lost its first game in bracket play of the Babe Ruth World Series, 9-7 to Abbeville, La.

Benton trailed 8-2 going into the fifth inning, but made a game of it, scoring three in the fifth and two in the sixth.

Benton managed just two hits, but took advantage of three errors and five walks.

Michelle Collins suffered the loss, going two innings. She allowed five runs, all earned, on three hits and six walks.

On Tuesday, Benton recorded a 19-4 victory over Hoquiam, Wa. Tuesday night in the Babe Ruth World Series.

The win gave Benton a third-place finish in the American Division, advancing it to bracket play of the World Series.

The game ended after four innings. Benton scored three runs in the first and eight in the second and third innings.

Benton pounded out 13 hits -- including three by Whitney Beggs and two each by Kelly Essner, Kristain Burger and Jamie Jackson. Jackson also had a team-high three runs batted in.

Hoquiam also committed seven errors. Only seven of Benton's runs were earned.

Essner picked up the win for Benton, going four innings and giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks. She struck out four and walked three.