The novelty of the Red Sox in the World Series has apparently faded.
Each game of the Red Sox/Cardinals World Series has declined in Boston compared to both 2004 and 2007, the last two times the Red Sox played in the event.
Sunday’s Game 4 had the biggest drop. The Red Sox’ series-tying win earned a 34.7 in Boston, down 37% from 2007 (55.3) and down 41% from 2004 (59.0) — with the major caveat that the comparable games in ’07 and ’04 were championship-clinching victories.
Game 3 on Saturday night had a series-low 32.4 in the market, down 29% from 2007 (46.0), and down 36% from 2004 (54.3).
Thursday’s Game 2 had a 37.3 rating, down 27% from 2007 (51.2), and down 22% from 2004 (47.8). Finally, Game 1 last Wednesday night had a series-high 39.7 — down 20% from 2007 (49.3) and down 10% from 2004 (44.3).
The St. Louis market was also trending below previous series — at least until Sunday night. Game 4 had a series-high 46.7 rating in the market, topping both Cardinals/Rangers in 2011 (45.4) and Red Sox/Cardinals in 2004 (42.6). Only Tigers/Cardinals in 2006 (51.3) drew a higher Game 4 rating.
The first three games, however, trailed 2011, 2006 and 2004. Game 3 drew a 37.2 rating — down 5% from 2011 (39.3), down 28% from 2006 (51.9), and down 18% from 2004 (45.5).
Game 2 earned a 42.0, down 15% from 2011 (49.4), down 12% from 2006 (47.5), and down 10% from 2004 (46.9). The series-opener drew a series-low 36.0 in the market — down 24% from 2011 (47.3), down 12% from 2006 (41.0), and down 15% from 2004 (42.3).
(This year’s local numbers from Fox Sports Media Group)
