Republican lawmakers crushed their Democratic counterparts Wednesday at the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Washington, DC.
The GOP’s 11-2 win over the Dems in Nationals Park marks the sixth straight year Republicans have defeated their political rivals on the diamond.
The highlight of the night was a dazzling catch in the bottom of the third inning by Sen. Eric Schmitt, who dove near the left field line on a dead run to rob Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.) of an extra-base hit. The dive left the senator with a bloody nose.
Schmitt (R-Mo.) was also impressive in the batter’s box, finishing the game with a pair of hits and drawing two walks.
“Left it all on the field,” Schmitt wrote on X after the game, noting he was “honored to be named MVP.”
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) – donning an America 250 hat signed by President Trump and knee-high American flag socks – went the distance on the mound, tossing seven innings, giving up only two runs and striking out five Democrats.
“REPUBLICANS WIN… AGAIN!” Steube celebrated on social media. “Six straight Congressional Baseball Game victories!“
“There’s nothing more American than baseball, and doing it during America’s 250th year made it even better!”
Defensive miscues plagued the Democrats throughout the game.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) made a nice stop on a groundball in the second inning but his errant throw got past the second baseman and right fielder, leading to two runs for the Republicans.
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), the Democrat starting pitcher, struggled through three innings, giving up 10 runs and walking seven.
More than 32,000 tickets were sold for the game, which raised over $3.1 million for Washington, DC-area charities.
Republicans hold an overall edge over Democrats in the series with a 48-42 record.
