Republicans and Democrats get dirty… but not in their usual fashion as they flex sports skills at annual bipartisan Congressional Baseball Game

Republicans left the Democrats in the dust Wednesday night at Nationals Park, on their way to a fifth straight victory in the annual bipartisan Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.

At the end of the night, the GOP bested the Dems with a score 13-2.

Partisanship was set aside in the name of charity, as members of the Senate and House of Representatives donned cleats, jerseys, and crisp white pants to play in the annual bipartisan Congressional Baseball Game.

Leading up to the annual contest, tensions were flying high on Capitol Hill, but Republicans and Democrats took a break from battling over President Trump’s budget bill to face off on the baseball diamond. 

Republicans went into Wednesday night’s game hoping for their fifth straight win, after winning the match up the past four years.

The game was marred by tragedy in 2017, when a deranged shooter attacked members of the Republican team at a practice.

Louisiana Republican Steve Scalise, then the House Republican Whip, was struck by gunfire and seriously wounded at the practice. 

Scalise had a long road to recovery, not returning to Congress until September of that year, and he was often seen using a mobility scooter in the halls of the Capitol for months after.

On Wednesday, Scalise suited up to join his colleagues on the field, and went up to bat to thunderous applause from the crowd in Nationals Park. 

Ahead of the first pitch, Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins delivered the game ball.

Representatives from game sponsors Disney and Rivian threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and told the participants and fans that it was time to ‘play ball!’

Ahead of the game, the Congressional Sports for Charity Foundation touted record breaking ticket sales, and well as a new fundraising record.

The Foundation celebrated a new high of $2.75 million raised for local DMV charities, while also boasting sales of more than 30,000 tickets — shattering the previous attendance and fundraising records set in 2024 and marking the most successful Congressional Baseball Game to date.

‘It’s an exciting night as we get ready to open the gates to our largest crowd ever at Nationals Park,’ said Mark Johnson of the Congressional Sports for Charity Foundation in a release sent to members of the media ahead of the competition.

‘For over a century, this game has brought Democrats and Republicans together in a shared commitment to strengthening our community. This year’s record-breaking $2.75+ million raised will benefit dozens of remarkable organizations that support vulnerable children and families throughout the D.C. metro area. 

‘We’re honored to be part of this great bipartisan tradition and are grateful for the continued support of our players, coaches, sponsors, and fans.’