The start of the series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres on Friday was delayed due to rain at PNC Park. Heavy rain began falling before the scheduled first pitch.
The game's original start time was 6:40 p.m. ET. An update from the home club set the new projected first pitch for 7:50 p.m. ET, a delay of one hour and 10 minutes.
The grounds crew covered the field with a tarp close to an hour before the initial start time as rain approached the Pittsburgh area.
Pre-game ceremonies, including a ceremonial first pitch, took place, but neither team emerged from their clubhouses as the tarp remained in place. Forecasts indicated the rain was expected to clear later in the evening.
Both teams went through batting practice and fielding drills earlier in the day but did not conduct their usual pre-game warmups closer to the scheduled start time. This could require additional time for players to prepare after the delay is lifted.
The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the series with a 12-20 overall record, including a 7-9 mark at home. The team had lost four of its previous five contests.
San Diego came into the matchup with a 19-11 record overall and a 5-7 record away from home. The Padres hold second place in the National League West Division standings.
Saturday's contest in the Padres vs. Pirates series is scheduled as Game #34 for the Pirates. That game is set to begin at 4:05 p.m. ET at PNC Park.
Among the players featured in the series is San Diego right fielder Fernando Tatis, who was hitting .345 entering the weekend, placing him among baseball's batting leaders. Pittsburgh was expected to start right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller in the series opener. Keller held a 1-2 record with a 3.97 ERA over 34 innings pitched before the game.
