Republicans kept their Congressional Baseball Game winning streak alive Wednesday night, pounding Democrats 11-2 at Nationals Park and extending GOP dominance in the annual charity matchup to six straight seasons.
But the play of the night belonged to Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., who turned in a highlight-reel diving catch in left field that later landed on SportsCenter’s “Top 10.”
Schmitt made the grab in the fourth inning on a ball ripped down the left-field line, launching himself across the outfield grass before crashing hard to the ground.
The 50-year-old senator came up with the ball, a bloodied nose and a jersey covered in dirt.
He stayed in the game anyway.
Schmitt, who had scored earlier in the night, later added another hit before the annual Republican-vs.-Democrat showdown wrapped up under the lights in Washington.
The GOP win was powered by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., who delivered a complete-game performance on the mound. Steube threw nearly 100 pitches, struck out five and helped Republicans play an error-free game.
Republicans jumped ahead early when Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, opened the scoring with a two-out single in the first inning that brought Schmitt home.
Good morning SportsCenter. pic.twitter.com/qWkZTjkntK
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) June 11, 2026
Democrats managed to keep the game within reach early but struggled badly in the field, committing four errors on the night.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., was one of the few bright spots for the Democratic squad, going 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and a double.
Democrats also got a slick defensive play from Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who hauled in an over-the-shoulder grab at shortstop in the fifth inning.
But the game broke open in the fourth when Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, drilled a bases-clearing double off relief pitcher Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., stretching the Republican lead to 11-0.
From there, the GOP coasted.
The annual game, which began in 1909, benefits several local charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund.
Organizers said the event sold 32,000 tickets and raised $3.2 million, setting records in both categories.
Democrats may have an even tougher road ahead in 2027.
The Republican roster could soon get a major boost from Mark Teixeira, the former New York Yankees star and 2009 World Series champion who is running for the Texas congressional seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Chip Roy.
For now, the GOP has bragging rights, another blowout win and a SportsCenter-worthy catch from a senator who was willing to leave some blood on the field.
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
