July 30, 1997 - Since most Democrats and Republicans came together to support the Balanced Budget Act yesterday, partisan battle moved to the baseball diamond.

In the 37th annual Congressional Baseball Game, Washington state Congressman Adam Smith shared the Democratic MVP honors with Tim Holden (D-PA). Smith had an outstanding offensive game against the Republicans' pitcher, NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent (R- Oklahoma), going two-for-three at the plate with two triples. He earned 3 RBIs and scored two runs. As the Democrats' starting shortstop, Smith proved to be a defense talent as well, helping get would-be base stealers out, field tough ground balls, and catching several pop-fly balls.

Despite Smith's performance, however, the Democrats lost 10-9 in the seven-inning hardball game. Last week, Smith and fellow Washington state Congressman Rick White (R-1st District) bet on the game, with the member of the losing team serving a Northwest-style salmon bake to the Member and staff of the winning side. Smith and his staff will serve the salmon bake to White's office sometime in September.

The Republicans were led by Steve Largent both as pitcher and at the plate. White played in the outfield for several innings and went 0-1, striking out to Democratic hurler Mel Watt (D-NC).