The Republicans used two big innings to cruise to a 16-6 victory over the Democrats in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity Wednesday night.
Beautiful night for the Congressional Baseball Game. Republicans lead Democrats 4-2 in the 3rd inning. pic.twitter.com/N8E9FamKo2
— Mitchell Miller (@mmillerwtop) June 15, 2023
In a game called by WTOP’s George Wallace and Mitchell Miller, the Republicans opened with a four-run first inning. They then erupted for seven runs in the third inning, headlined by Florida Rep. Greg Steube’s deep double that bounced from the warning track into the bullpen for a ground rule double that was just short of what would have been his second “outside-the-park” home run in three years.
Steube memorably had a rare “outside-the-park” home run in the Republicans’ 13-12 win in 2021 dubbed “one of the best games in the Congressional Baseball Game history.”
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett entered the game as a pinch runner to become the first Black woman Democrat to play in the game’s 114-year history.
“As the first Black Woman Democrat to play in the Congressional Baseball Game, I want to show those girls that if I can do it, they can do it – and probably a lot better,” she told CNN before the game.
My first Congressional Baseball Game was one for the books! Shoutout Dem Coaches @RepLindaSanchez & @BillPascrell and @PaulQuinn1872 for the fit. Turns out, I (g)love baseball…
No matter what, @RepCasar and I are working to hit it out of the park for Texans!⚾️ pic.twitter.com/IMFYFAzOgH
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) June 15, 2023
In one of the more playful moments of the game, Democratic Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina “charged” the mound after Republican August Pfluger hit Davis with a pitch. Both members quickly hugged in a sign of sportsmanship and momentary partisanship between the political sides.
With the victory, the Republicans secured their third consecutive win over the Democrats in the charity game.
Before the game, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered the “Play Ball!” call as part of the pregame festivities.
You can watch the game on C-SPAN’s website.
See photos from the game below:
