Major League Baseball

Weather a concern in Sydney ahead of MLB opener

Published Mar. 22, 2014 3:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

SYDNEY (AP) Rain and thunderstorms were threatening to affect pre-game festivities for the Major League Baseball season opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

With thunderstorms approaching the area less than two hours from the scheduled start of the game, grounds staff took the precaution of cutting short the Dodgers' batting practice and covering the infield with tarp.

Lightning was later seen around the stadium and a light rain began falling.

A capacity crowd of about 40,000 was expected at the cricket ground for the opener.