SPORTS DIGEST: HEARTLAND GIRLS EARN VICTORY

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- The Heartland softball team, a squad based in Benton, Mo., won its first game in bracket play of the 12-under girls fast-pitch Babe Ruth World Series Wednesday, knocking off Homewood, Ill. 8-0.

Heartland went 2-2 in pool play to qualify for the six-team, double-elimination competition.

Miranda Schlosser and Mandi Wood had two hits apiece for Heartland, while Kristain Burger had two runs batted in.

Heartland scored one run in the second, one in the fourth and three each in the sixth and seventh innings.

Whitney Horrell picked up the victory. She went five innings and allowed three hits and a walk while striking out three. Louise Blankenship allowed one hit and struck out one in one inning of relief.