Washington, D.C., witnessed a political rout on the diamond as Republicans crushed Democrats 13-2 in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, extending their winning streak to five years, The Hill reported.
In a bipartisan charity event held at Nationals Park, the GOP showcased their athletic prowess and team unity while the Democrats stumbled with defensive miscues, ultimately raising an impressive $2.81 million for local causes.
The game kicked off with a sartorial statement: Republicans donned red uniforms and "Make America Great Again" caps, while Democrats opted for individual jerseys, perhaps signaling a lack of cohesion from the start.
In the first inning, Democrats loaded the bases with a single and two walks, only to be thwarted by a stellar diving stop from Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), who forced an out at third.
Meanwhile, Republicans capitalized on a Democratic throwing error to notch their first run, setting the stage for a game where errors would haunt the blue team relentlessly.
By the second inning, the GOP surged to a 5-0 lead with three hits and yet another Democratic blunder, proving that on this field, sloppy play has swift consequences.
The third inning offered a brief glimmer of hope for Democrats as Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.) smashed an RBI triple and later scored on a groundout, narrowing the gap to 5-2.
But that spark was quickly extinguished as Republicans, under the steady pitching of Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla..), held firm, allowing only those two runs over five innings.
Steube, sporting gold sneakers signed by President Trump, reflected on the team’s grueling preparation, saying, “We start 5:45 in the morning,” a nod to the discipline instilled by coach Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas).
The fifth inning saw the GOP unleash a five-run barrage, pushing their lead to 10-2 and effectively putting the game out of reach for a floundering Democratic squad.
Democrats’ woes deepened in the sixth with more defensive lapses, including a dropped fly ball and a mishandled grounder, allowing Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to cross the plate as a pinch runner, making it 13-2.
Rep. August Pfluger, who took over pitching duties in the sixth and was later named MVP, crowed, “Proud to have been selected,” a well-earned accolade for his dual role in shutting down the opposition.
The seventh inning saw Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) close out the game for Republicans while Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) struck out to end the Democrats’ dismal night.
Even the Democratic coach, Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif..), could only name Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif..) as their MVP in a game where highlights were scarce, a tough pill to swallow for a team that left nine runners stranded.
Yet, beyond the scoreboard, the event’s true victory was the $2.81 million raised for charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, reminding everyone that some causes transcend partisan divides—even if the GOP’s dominance on the field remains unchallenged.
