The two girls fast-pitch softball teams from the Benton, Mo., area had different results as they opened Babe Ruth World Series play Sunday.
The 16-under Heartland Heat, competing in Milleville, N.J., defeated the New Jersey state champion 5-0 behind a one-hitter by Marissa Essner. The Heat will continue in pool play today.
Meanwhile, in Wilson, N.C., the 12-under Heartland Nationals suffered two losses, falling to Pitt County, N.C., 2-1 and to Wilmington, N.C., 6-3. The Nationals will continue in pool play today.
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