The 2017 Dixie Ozone 12U Alabama state baseball tournament was met with lengthy delays in action during Thursday’s opening night.

Teams from around the state made their way to Johnson Park to compete in the 2017 state tournament.

After a long delay, Andalusia and Dothan began play, but the game was not completed before the Star-News went to press.

Andalusia’ Aksh Patel sat Dothan down in order to start the game.

In the bottom of the first, Dothan picked up five strikeouts, but Andalusia was able to plate a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead.

Dothan responded with three runs in the second inning.

Things got started smoothly with the opening ceremonies at 2:30.

Each team was introduced to the crowd before the first games got underway.

The first block of games got started on time, but lightning was detected close by and put a freeze on play.

By rule, when lightning is spotted in the area there is an automatic 30 minute delay.

From that point, every time lighting is seen the 30-minute wait restarts.

The rain and lighting hung around the area for a long time.

Once the weather cleared, the City of Andalusia’s ground crew vigorously began working on the field so that play could resume.

The crew got the fields fixed and play resumed after a nearly three-hour delay.

While the teams and fans waited on the weather, there was plenty of food to enjoy.

Troy’s Gators was on sight and offered fried alligator on a stick, fried pickles, fried okra, boiled peanuts and freshly squeezed lemonade.

The City of Andalusia also had their concession stand fully stocked with hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries, drinks and plenty of candy.

Kona Ice was there with their many varieties of flavored shaved ice.

The winner between Andalusia and Dothan National will play the winner between Decatur and AUM tonight at 8 p.m.

The losing teams of those two games will play today at 4 p.m.

Games will be played today at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.