TYSONS, V.A. — Karl Alzner didn't know what to expect when he plugged Washington Capitals forwards Dylan Strome and Connor McMichael into the lineup for the Alzner Foundation's second annual "Swing Into Summer" event. What he'd end up getting were some key runs batted in.
Strome himself scored a three-run home run, McMichael picked up a handful of runs batted in, and T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom captained their respective teams in a star-studded event at Capital One Park on Saturday.
Despite rain to start, fans sold out the park to watch the action unfold, as alumni Mike Green, Braden Holtby and Joel Ward joined Backstrom, Oshie, Strome, McMichael and Alzner as the current and former Capitals in attendance.
Goaltender Carey Price, who played with Alzner in Montreal, flew across the country to participate and support his teammate's foundation, while local stars Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Eaton, Hayley Scamurra, Lacey Eden and more filled out Team Starr Hill (captained by Backstrom) and Team Palo Immix (captained by Oshie).
"The event doesn't happen without them," Alzner said, adding, "This community is great at supporting all different types of charities and foundations in the area... it feels pretty good."
Team Palo Immix got off to a dominant start, with Holtby and more stepping up to the plate to get runs on the board.
Holtby also made a statement with his walk-up song, Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club," as he continues to vocalize his support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In the sixth inning, Strome hit a three-run home run to put his team further in front after Backstrom's Starr Hill pulled within three after a five-run fifth. An extra inning was added after the sixth, and ultimately, it was enough for Backstrom's team to tie the game at 22.
In extra innings, Palo Immix managed four runs, and Backstrom's chances at a rally were thwarted on a double play that led to a 26-24 victory for Oshie's team.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Alzner Foundation, which aims to empower youth through sports.