Republicans end 7-year congressional baseball slump, slip past Democrats

After losing for seven straight years, the Republican congressional baseball team broke through to beat the Democrats on Thursday in their annual charity game.

The Republicans had a shaky few years — including a 22-0 blowout three years ago. But they defeated the Democrats, 8-7.

"These guys came here to play," said Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, a former TCU baseball star who helped coach the GOP team. "They've worked hard, and they earned this win. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished."

Williams' office said in a news release that the Republicans have been holding 6 a.m. practices since April.

In past years, the Democrats had the advantage thanks in part to superstar Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., who played college baseball. But The Hill reported that Richmond was off his game Thursday night, allowing six runs.

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington, told The Dallas Morning News earlier this week that the baseball game was a harder contest to win than the White House.

"They beat us seven years in a row; we haven't lost seven presidential elections in a row," Barton said. "Odds over time, all things being equal, we'll start winning again. This may be the longest losing streak for Republicans in the history of the game. ... It sure feels that way to me."

The Congressional Baseball Game is an annual charity event. Sponsored by Roll Call, the event raised more than $400,000 for youth charities last year. Organizers anticipated this year's game to raise over $500,000, according to The Hill.

Tonight, the Republican Baseball Team broke their losing streak to the Democrats. These guys earned it. pic.twitter.com/pNIFOKzCHc