State Reps. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) hosted the fourth annual bipartisan legislative charity softball game Wednesday night, raising $15,000 for local youth programs while bringing lawmakers together outside the Capitol for an evening of competition and community engagement.

The Democrat team secured its first victory in the history of the annual event, defeating Republicans 13-10 in a seven-inning matchup.

The evening opened with a ceremonial first pitch from a participant in the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing, highlighting the event’s focus on supporting Michigan youth and strengthening bipartisan relationships.

Democrats jumped out to an early lead, finishing the first inning ahead 3-2.

Republicans continued to rally in the fourth inning when Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) hit a double that scored Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) tying the game at 8-8.

One of the game’s biggest moments came in the bottom of the second inning, when Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) hit an inside-the-park grand slam to bring Republicans within one run at 7-6.

The game turned in the fifth inning when Rep. Matthew Longjohn (D-Portage) hit an out-of-the-park grand slam to give Democrats a 13-8 advantage and help secure the win.

Rep. Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) recorded the Republicans’ lone RBI in the seventh inning as the GOP attempted a late comeback.

“This event continues to show what can happen when people come together for a good cause,” Kunse said. “While the competition was intense and entertaining, the real victory was raising $15,000 for local youth programs and bringing the community together.”

“Last night was about much more than softball,” Farhat said. “Even in a divided political climate, events like this remind us we can still work together to support our communities, build relationships and invest in the next generation.”

Final Score:
Democrats: 13
Republicans: 10