For the third year in a row, the pitching disparity between the Democrats and Republicans was the key to the CQ Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game.

The Democrats are in a great position with Louisiana Rep. Cedric L. Richmond burning through the GOP lineup, giving up three hits in a complete game, 22-0, shutout. He’s given up only four runs in three games. And he’s 39 years old and represents a safe district.

On the other side of the field, Republicans are looking to shore up their rotation. Democrats hooked early into Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman, the only GOP pitcher not to give up a run last year, scoring five runs in the first. Stutzman, at 37, is younger than Richmond. But his relievers Thursday evening (Reps. Patrick Meehan and Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania) are both 57,  which doesn’t bode well for the future of the team.

Perhaps the Republicans should recruit Roger Clemens, who gave some campaign cash to his friend Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas. Also, Clemens wouldn’t have to worry about those pesky performance-enhancing drug allegations because the Congressional Baseball Game doesn’t test.

Another opportunity could be with Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, who campaigned for former Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul. He’s currently the president of the Texas Rangers.

Former President George W. Bush was co-owner of the franchise, and the Rangers started life as the expansion Washington Senators before moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1972, so the bloodlines make the franchise the equivalent of an elected official farm team.