PHOTO GALLERY: Marine of the Year throws first pitch at Washington Nationals game

Marine Master Sgt. Jarad Stout, the Corps’ Marine of the Year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday at Nationals Park on Tuesday before the Washington Nationals hosted the first-place Atlanta Braves.

Stout was a gunnery sergeant on Nov. 20, 2015, when he responded to the Radisson Blue hotel in Mali. That's where 170 hostages were being held by a gunman connected with al Qaeda, according to numerous published reports.

“There was very little time to respond,” he said in a command release. “However, our purpose was clear. That clarity and unity of purpose allowed us to navigate the ambiguity and manage our emotions to accomplish the mission at hand.”

More than 20 people were killed. Stout received the Silver Star for his actions.

His throw from the pitcher’s mound was caught by Tanner Rainey, a relief pitcher for the Nats. Rainey then signed the ball for Stout.