How was the 2pm game time decided?

i think i heard that Mainieri picked the time they played

Host team can request their Friday game time. Ultimately ESPN has final say, but the host team usually gets what they want.

Up until last year the host team had final say of the order of the games Friday.

With a perfect weather forecast it's probably best to play at night, avoid the heat and a little more comfortable for the fans.

This is the time of year when rain showers are likely everyday and afternoon. You want to play and get the first game in and if you have a delay tonight the other teams are affected and not you.