MAGA-Clad GOP Dominates Dems 13-2, Makes History at Congressional Baseball Classic

Paul Riverbank, 6/12/2025In a striking parallel to current political dynamics, Republicans dominated the Congressional Baseball Game with a 13-2 victory, their fifth straight win. Yet the real triumph was the record-breaking $2.75 million raised for charity, demonstrating how partisan competition can serve a greater purpose.

Beyond the Scoreboard: GOP's Diamond Dominance Reflects Shifting Political Tides

The crack of the bat at Nationals Park last night told a story bigger than baseball. As I watched Republican lawmakers round the bases in their fifth straight Congressional Baseball Game victory, I couldn't help but see parallels to their recent legislative momentum on Capitol Hill.

This wasn't just another 13-2 drubbing – though the scoreboard certainly painted that picture. What struck me, watching from my usual perch in the press box, was how this annual tradition has evolved into something far more symbolic than when I first covered it two decades ago.

The GOP's commanding performance, spearheaded by Florida's Greg Steube's impressive five-inning pitching clinic, drew the largest crowd I've seen in my years covering this event. More than 30,000 people packed the stands – a far cry from the sparse crowds of years past. They witnessed history too, as Iowa's Joni Ernst became the first woman to take the field in the game's long history.

The Republicans, sporting their red uniforms and MAGA hats (a detail that speaks volumes about the current state of party messaging), built their lead methodically. A Democratic throwing error opened the door in the second inning, and by the fourth, the floodgates had burst open with a five-run rally that effectively sealed the deal.

But numbers only tell part of the story. The real victory was in the stands, where a record-breaking $2.75 million was raised for local charities. I watched Steve Scalise's at-bat – six years after that horrific shooting during practice – and saw Democrats and Republicans alike standing in applause. These moments of unity, however brief, remind us why this tradition matters.

Mind you, political fortunes in this game tend to swing like a pendulum. Before this Republican streak, the Democrats had won 10 of 11 contests. Having covered many of those games, I've noticed how these shifts often mirror the broader political momentum on Capitol Hill.

August Pfluger's diving catch at third base might have saved a few runs, but the night's bigger save was for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, among other beneficiaries. In times when bipartisan cooperation seems as rare as a perfect game, this annual tradition continues to prove its worth.

The final score may suggest a lopsided affair, but the real victory was in watching lawmakers trade their partisan armor for baseball uniforms, if only for one night. Though as this veteran observer can tell you, even in friendly competition, old political habits die hard.

Beyond the Scoreboard: GOP's Diamond Dominance Reflects Shifting Political TidesThe crack of the bat at Nationals Park last night told a story bigger than baseball. As I watched Republican lawmakers round the bases in their fifth straight Congressional Baseball Game victory, I couldn't help but see parallels to their recent legislative momentum on Capitol Hill.This wasn't just another 13-2 drubbing – though the scoreboard certainly painted that picture. What struck me, watching from my usual perch in the press box, was how this annual tradition has evolved into something far more symbolic than when I first covered it two decades ago.The GOP's commanding performance, spearheaded by Florida's Greg Steube's impressive five-inning pitching clinic, drew the largest crowd I've seen in my years covering this event. More than 30,000 people packed the stands – a far cry from the sparse crowds of years past. They witnessed history too, as Iowa's Joni Ernst became the first woman to take the field in the game's long history.The Republicans, sporting their red uniforms and MAGA hats (a detail that speaks volumes about the current state of party messaging), built their lead methodically. A Democratic throwing error opened the door in the second inning, and by the fourth, the floodgates had burst open with a five-run rally that effectively sealed the deal.But numbers only tell part of the story. The real victory was in the stands, where a record-breaking $2.75 million was raised for local charities. I watched Steve Scalise's at-bat – six years after that horrific shooting during practice – and saw Democrats and Republicans alike standing in applause. These moments of unity, however brief, remind us why this tradition matters.Mind you, political fortunes in this game tend to swing like a pendulum. Before this Republican streak, the Democrats had won 10 of 11 contests. Having covered many of those games, I've noticed how these shifts often mirror the broader political momentum on Capitol Hill.August Pfluger's diving catch at third base might have saved a few runs, but the night's bigger save was for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, among other beneficiaries. In times when bipartisan cooperation seems as rare as a perfect game, this annual tradition continues to prove its worth.The final score may suggest a lopsided affair, but the real victory was in watching lawmakers trade their partisan armor for baseball uniforms, if only for one night. Though as this veteran observer can tell you, even in friendly competition, old political habits die hard.