WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a nearly-empty Nationals Park more than three hours before game time, John Maine stood in the green grass in left field and gently tossed the baseball to his catcher.

A possible playoff preview in the Carolina League, the two division leaders will match up in Potomac.

WOODBRIDGE — Potomac Nationals baseball is offering a Holiday Four-Pack, which includes two tickets to Opening Day on April 17 against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and vouchers to any other three games of choice excluding the Fourth of July and playoffs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The New York Mets, after firing manager Willie Randolph in mid-June, recently posted a 10-game winning streak under interim manager Jerry Manuel.

STAFFORD — Gregg Ritchie of Stafford spent 10 years as a minor-league hitting coach with the Chicago White Sox and worked with several future major-league hitters.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — John Maine sat by a table in the middle of the New York Mets clubhouse at Nationals Park, resting his chin on his left arm - the arm that does not make him a rich young man - and pondered his next move.

Local graduate, 23, seeing success on baseball field

QUANTICO —  An improved Butler Stadium was unveiled last week at Quantico Marine Corps base.

On Sunday, a red carpet stretched across Half Street at the center field gate — welcoming fans in Hollywood fashion.