Dodgers, D'backs to play Australian exhibitions

SYDNEY (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks will play two exhibition games against Team Australia before their two-game series that opens next year's Major League Baseball season.

New South Wales state Premier Barry O'Farrell said Tuesday that the Australian national team will play the Dodgers on March 20 and the Diamondbacks on March 21.

The tuneups will allow more fans to see the visiting major league teams while they acclimatize to local conditions and the Sydney Cricket Ground before their two-game series to be played March 22-23.