As if the GOP didn't have it tough enough losing the House, Senate, White House, and majority of state legislatures and governorships over the past few years, another longstanding tradition of Republican success has crumbled: an 8-year win streak in the annual Congressional charity baseball game.

Republicans have won every matchup going back to 2001, with Democrats taking a few thumpings in the process.  In 2006, the GOP held their partisan counterparts to just 1 run, while scoring 12 of their own.

But this time around was a different story entirely.  Democrats scored 6 runs in the bottom of the second inning off of pitcher Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.).  But it's when Republican manager Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) went to the bullpen for Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) that the wheels came off.  By the time it was done, Putnam had given up 9 runs, more than enough to put Democrats over the top for the night.  Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) was responsible for getting the Democratic rally going with a double that produced two RBIs.

The game is put on every year by Washington, D.C. daily trade paper, Roll Call, and benefits local charities.  The team rosters included:

Democrats: Michael Arcuri (D-NY), Joe Baca (D-CA), Brian Baird (D-WA), Tim Bishop (D-NY), John Boccieri (D-OH), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Russ Carnahan (D-MO), Chris Carney (D-PA), and Ben Chandler (D-KY).

Republicans: Gresham Barret (R-SC), Joe Barton (R-TX), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Steve Buyer (R-IN), Mike Conaway (R-TX), John Ensign (R-NV), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John Fleming (R-LA), Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Sam Graves (R-MO), Greg Harper (R-MS), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), and Jack Kingston (R-GA)