The latest edition of ‘Baseball Night in America’ held up fairly well opposite hefty competition.
Regional MLB action featuring Mets/Yankees in 48% of markets drew a 2.6 overnight rating on FOX Saturday night, up 37% from afternoon coverage featuring Cubs/Cardinals in week ten last season (1.9), and up 44% from afternoon coverage featuring Phillies/Red Sox in week ten of the 2010 season (1.8).
The 2.6 is the second-highest of the season for a primetime MLB telecast on FOX (four telecasts). The previous primetime windows drew overnights of 2.8 (June 2), 2.3 (May 26) and 2.4 (May 19).
Saturday’s telecast aired opposite Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on NBC (2.6) and Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on ESPN (9.1). Coverage the previous week faced lower rated NHL and NBA games.
This is the third straight year FOX has featured Yankees/Mets in primetime. Last year’s game between the rivals, which aired in 36% of markets, drew a 3.4 overnight. The 2010 game, which aired in 49% of markets, drew a 3.6.
(Saturday’s overnight from Sports Business Daily)
