Republicans drub Democrats 13–2 in fifth straight Congressional Baseball Game win
Republicans once again defeated the Democrats at the Congressional Baseball Game on Wednesday 13-2, marking the GOP's fifth straight win in the annual bipartisan contest to raise money for charity.
The margin of the game was not nearly as wide as last year's walloping, when Republicans brought in a 31-11 victory. But the Democrats could not capitalize on several offensive opportunities, leaving nine runners on base and struggling defensively in the game's later innings.
The Democrats, as is true most years, sported individual jerseys of their choice, while Republicans opted for their standard red uniform and 'Make America Great Again' baseball caps. Some went further in on MAGA memorabilia, with starting pitcher Greg Staube sporting gold sneakers signed by President Trump before the game.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) was not optimistic about his team's chances before the game. When asked whether he thought the Democrats would win, he plainly said: 'No.'
Democrats looked like they might draw ahead in the first inning, loading the bases with a single and two walks. Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), however, saved the inning with a leaping catch, diving toward third base to make the tag.
Republicans scored their first run off of a Democratic throwing error in the first inning and widened their lead to 5-0 with a rally in the second inning. Democrats countered in the third with an RBI triple down the first-base line from Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.). By the end of the inning, they were only down 5-2.
But they would not score again, and Republicans took the game out of reach with a five-run deluge in the fifth inning to bring the score to 10-2.
Even so, the Democrats' woes continued in the sixth inning due to lackluster defense. The outfield struggled to catch several seemingly routine fly balls, and several infield hits scored two runners — including Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) pinch-running all the way from second base.
Steube, who held the Democrats to two runs over five innings, was subbed out in the sixth by Pfluger. The Texas Republican ended up winning the game's Most Valuable Player award.
'Proud to have been selected MVP for this year's Congressional Baseball Game!' the lawmaker wrote on social platform X following the game, sharing a photo of him with the trophy. 'Couldn't have asked for a better support team here in DC! Another huge win for Republicans.'
Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) received a turn on the mound in the seventh inning and closed out the game. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) struck out to end a feeble showing for the Democrats.
The Republican team was coached by Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas), a former minor league player and coach for Texas Christian University. Steube said pregame that Williams had driven the team hard in practice for the past four months.
'We start 5:45 in the morning, every day that we're here, minus fly-in,' he said.
Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) credited Williams with the decision to wear MAGA hats, adding that 'I think the president liked it.'
Democrats were coached by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), who called out Aguilar as the party's MVP.
Republicans and Democrats shake hands after the annual Congressional Baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (The Hill/Greg Nash)
Unlike in previous years, this year's game did not see any significant protests. Last year, eight protesters with a climate advocacy group who jumped onto the field were arrested.
The game raised $2.81 million for local charities, including the Tim Johnson Memorial Fund, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and Washington Nationals Philanthropies. More than 30,000 tickets were sold for the event held at Nationals Park, which can seat more than 40,000 people.
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