PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Portland Sea Dogs opened their 18th season of play with a hard fought 4-3 victory over the visiting Reading Phillies. 

Before the ceremonial first pitch of Opening Day was thrown, there was another, more unique ceremony held at home plate.  Scott Merrow and Danya Russo showed just how devoted they are to each other, and to the game of baseball, by tying the knot on the field surrounded by family and friends, and of course Slugger the Sea Dog.

Once the pregame festivities were over, the boys of summer took the field on a blustery night.  Right handed hurler Alex Wilson made the start for the Dogs and pitched well, striking out three batters and walking none in five innings of work.  Wilson did give up all three Phillies' runs.

Beginning in May, Greater Portland Transit District (METRO) and the South Portland Bus Service will offer a Regional Monthly Bus Pass, allowing seamless and affordable travel on both bus systems. The new pass will be sold for $45 per month for travel throughout Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and Falmouth.

Creating a regional pass was a priority recommendation of a Regional Coordination Study developed by the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) in 2007 as part of an effort “to identify opportunities to increase efficiencies of transit operations within Greater Portland and to work toward the development of one regional transportation system.”

South Portland resident Melanie Bruce said the Regional Pass is an excellent idea.

Preparation for this summer’s construction on I-295 in the Portland area has begun, and motorists who travel I-295 should be aware of lane shifts and closures that could cause possible delays. The construction projects mark the continuation of a series of improvement projects on I-295 that are designed to make the highway safer, preserve existing infrastructure, and improve traffic mobility.
 
Starting at 7 p.m. this Sunday, April 10, crews must close the Exit 5B off-ramp on I-295 southbound. This ramp will remain closed while work is completed on three nearby bridges. Motorists who use Exit 5B on I-295 southbound should continue on I-295, take Exit 5A and follow the marked detour. The I-295 southbound on-ramp from Park Avenue will remain open until mid-May.
 
Crews will also establish a long-term lane closure on the St. John Street Bridge and St. James Street Bridge on I-295 southbound and begin repairs.