Blab Sports
Republicans Secure Sixth Straight Victory in Congressional Baseball Game, Raising $3.2 Million for Charity
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., hosted the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. The Republican squad routed the Democrats 11‑2, extending its winning streak to six straight years.
From the opening pitch, the Republicans had the upper hand. Representative Greg Steube of Florida’s 17th district, who started the game, pitched the entire contest and struck out five Democratic batters. By the end of the third inning, the score was already 11‑0, a margin largely earned through Steube’s command and Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri’s aggressive baserunning.
The Democrats struggled to find rhythm. A second‑inning mishap at shortstop—when Representative Bill Huizenga of Michigan’s hit was followed by a wild throw—allowed two more Republican runs. The only offensive sparks came in the fourth inning. Representative Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky hit a ground‑rule double that was ultimately thrown out at the plate, while Representative Dave Min of California produced two RBI singles.
Schmitt’s most memorable moment arrived in the third inning, when he executed a diving, face‑plant catch in left field. The play drew cheers from the crowd, and observers noted the blood on his face and the dirt he rubbed into it afterward. For his defensive heroics, Schmitt was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Beyond the field, the event proved a fundraising juggernaut. Organizers reported that ticket sales and donations topped $3.2 million, eclipsing the $2.8 million raised in 2025. The proceeds support four local charities: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the Washington Literacy Center, and the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund.
The Congressional Baseball Game for Charity has been a fixture since 1909, evolving from a casual pastime into a prominent summer tradition for lawmakers. The 2026 edition marked the sixth consecutive year Republicans have won—a streak that began in 2021.
Looking ahead, the Democratic team will introduce a new pitcher next year. Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has been named to replace Representative Chip Roy of Texas’s 21st district.
While the Republicans dominated the diamond, the game remains a bipartisan event that blends sport with philanthropy. Staffers, families, and occasional dignitaries fill the stands, underscoring the event’s role as a charitable and community‑building activity in the nation's capital.
In summary, the Republicans’ 11‑2 victory over the Democrats at Nationals Park added another chapter to the Congressional Baseball Game’s long history, highlighted a standout defensive play by Senator Schmitt, and raised a record‑breaking $3.2 million for local charities.
From the opening pitch, the Republicans had the upper hand. Representative Greg Steube of Florida’s 17th district, who started the game, pitched the entire contest and struck out five Democratic batters. By the end of the third inning, the score was already 11‑0, a margin largely earned through Steube’s command and Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri’s aggressive baserunning.
The Democrats struggled to find rhythm. A second‑inning mishap at shortstop—when Representative Bill Huizenga of Michigan’s hit was followed by a wild throw—allowed two more Republican runs. The only offensive sparks came in the fourth inning. Representative Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky hit a ground‑rule double that was ultimately thrown out at the plate, while Representative Dave Min of California produced two RBI singles.
Schmitt’s most memorable moment arrived in the third inning, when he executed a diving, face‑plant catch in left field. The play drew cheers from the crowd, and observers noted the blood on his face and the dirt he rubbed into it afterward. For his defensive heroics, Schmitt was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Beyond the field, the event proved a fundraising juggernaut. Organizers reported that ticket sales and donations topped $3.2 million, eclipsing the $2.8 million raised in 2025. The proceeds support four local charities: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the Washington Literacy Center, and the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund.
The Congressional Baseball Game for Charity has been a fixture since 1909, evolving from a casual pastime into a prominent summer tradition for lawmakers. The 2026 edition marked the sixth consecutive year Republicans have won—a streak that began in 2021.
Looking ahead, the Democratic team will introduce a new pitcher next year. Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has been named to replace Representative Chip Roy of Texas’s 21st district.
While the Republicans dominated the diamond, the game remains a bipartisan event that blends sport with philanthropy. Staffers, families, and occasional dignitaries fill the stands, underscoring the event’s role as a charitable and community‑building activity in the nation's capital.
In summary, the Republicans’ 11‑2 victory over the Democrats at Nationals Park added another chapter to the Congressional Baseball Game’s long history, highlighted a standout defensive play by Senator Schmitt, and raised a record‑breaking $3.2 million for local charities.
