Republican lawmakers crushed their Democratic counterparts Wednesday at the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Washington, DC.
The GOP’s 13-2 win over the Dems in Nationals Park marks the fifth straight year Republicans have defeated their political rivals on the diamond.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), who was seriously injured in a ladder fall two years ago, pitched five innings for the GOP, striking out seven Democrats.
“I am going to take an ice bath tomorrow,” Steube quipped after the game.
The MVP award went to Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), who made a spectacular diving catch to end the first inning after Democrats loaded the bases.
Pfluger’s close play went viral on social media.
“Proud to have been selected MVP for this year’s Congressional Baseball Game!” the Texas Republican wrote on X. “Couldn’t have asked for a better support team here in DC! Another huge win for Republicans.”
The game was far more subdued than last year’s edition, which saw anti-Israel protesters disrupt the national anthem and climate change activists rush the field.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) greeted her colleagues in the Democratic dugout at one point during the game and received cheers from the blue team’s fans.
More than 30,000 tickets were sold for the game, which raised $2.8 million for dozens of charities.
“Team GOP takes the WIN!! 🏆🇺🇸 Proud to take the field with my Republican colleagues tonight and bring home the win,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) wrote on X. “We raised $2.8 million for local charities. We’re not tired of winning!”
In 2017, Scalise was shot by a left-wing extremist during a GOP team practice in Alexandria, Va., a day before that year’s edition of the game.
Republicans hold an overall edge over Democrats in the series by five games, with 47-42 record.
