Republicans defeated Democrats on Wednesday night in the Congressional Baseball Game, winning for the sixth consecutive time.

Behind a strong performance by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Republicans dominated 11-2.

“Left it all on the field. Republicans win 11-2. Honored to be named MVP,” Schmitt said.

Roll Call has more:

Republicans got off to a strong start in the first inning, putting a run on the board thanks to Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt’s speedy baserunning. Likewise, starting pitcher Greg Steube, R-Fla., held Democratic bats at bay through the first two innings.

Democratic starter Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, kept good control on the mound, but a wild throw on a routine groundball in the second inning allowed the GOP to tack on two more runs. Poor fielding is a theme at this level of play and would plague the Democrats throughout the evening.

ADVERTISEMENT

By contrast, Republicans were downright acrobatic. Schmitt made a diving catch that left him with a bloody face.

Democrats managed to outhit Republicans through three innings, but were unable to convert those hits into runs.

By the end of the fourth inning, Republicans held a 11-0 lead.

“Republicans have won the annual Congressional Baseball Game for the SIXTH straight year! And even better — last night’s sold-out crowd raised a record breaking $3.2 million for local charities,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said.

“Six straight Congressional Baseball Game victories! Honored to pitch in front of 35,000 people and help raise money for charity. There’s nothing more American than baseball, and doing it during America’s 250th year made it even better!” Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) said.

“When California finishes counting the runs from the GOP victory last night, they’ll probably say the Democrats won,” Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) commented.

“Democrats’ defensive disaster leads to two runs for Republicans after a hit by Rep. Bill Huizenga that didn’t leave the infield in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. Republican and Democratic lawmakers took the field in one of Washington’s longest-running traditions, with the GOP looking to extend a multi-year winning streak,” Fox News wrote.

“The matchup has raised millions for charity over the years and offers a rare moment where political rivals compete side-by-side outside the halls of Congress,” it added.

Watch below:

The Hill shared further:

The GOP got off to a hot start early when Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) opened the scoring with a two-out single in the first inning, scoring Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), who had one of the most impressive defensive plays of the game three innings later.

ADVERTISEMENT

Schmitt made a fourth-inning diving catch on a ball hit down the left field line and landed hard on the outfield grass, emerging from the ground with blood gushing from his nose and dirt covering the front of his jersey.

Schmitt, 50, stayed in the game and notched another hit before the annual clash between the GOP and Democrats on the diamond was over.

One of the Democrats’ top performers was Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), who went two-for-three with a pair of singles and a double in a losing effort for his squad.

The Democrats struggled in the field, committing four errors but got solid defense in the infield from Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) at shortstop, who managed to haul in an over-the-shoulder grab of his own in the fifth inning.

The Dems were able to keep the game close until the fourth, when the GOP broke it open on a bases-clearing double by Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) off relief pitcher Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), which made it 11-0.

 

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.