Republicans defeat Democrats

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In the Sixth Annual Legislative All-Star Game played at Raley Field Monday night, the Republicans were victorious over the Democrats 11-10 with a game-ending RBI single. The Republicans continue to lead the series 5-1.

The Democrats opened the game with a five-hit, four-run first inning powered behind Team Democrats Assemblyman Lloyd Levine's two-run double. The Republicans battled back with a six-run second inning. Senator Richard Alarcon's two-run home run in the fourth gave the Democrats a five-run rally. But the Republicans put up a four-run bottom of the fourth behind Assemblyman Guy Houston's two-run home run, his second of the game.

Team Democrats Assemblyman Joe Baca's RBI double in the top of the sixth tied the game. But Team Republicans Assemblyman Roger Niello smashed a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to give the Republicans the victory.

The MVP of the game was Houston, with two homeruns and three RBIs. Houston was also crowned champion of the Home Run Derby prior to the game, defeating the Democrats' Lloyd Levine.

Over the past six years, $217,500 has been raised for charities. This year, over $48,500 was raised for the Special Olympics and the River Cats Foundation.