Airing one hour earlier to avoid rain, Game 2 of the World Series was not quite as hot a draw as Game 1.
Game 2 of the Cubs/Indians World Series scored an 11.3 overnight rating on FOX Wednesday night, up 22% from Mets/Royals last year (9.3), up 28% from Giants/Royals in 2014 (8.8), and the highest for the second game of the Fall Classic since Phillies/Yankees in 2009 (13.6).
Both games of the Cubs/Indians series have hit seven-year highs in the metered markets.
The Cubs’ series-tying win fell 10% from Game 1 the previous night (12.6), thanks in large part to an earlier-than-scheduled 7 PM ET start time. The primetime portion of the game had a 12.3. Last year’s Game 2 actually had a steeper decline from the opener, dropping 11% due to competition from a presidential primary debate.
Wednesday’s game had a 38.9 rating in Cleveland, down 16% from Game 1 (46.5) despite less competition. Ratings for Game 2 of Indians/Marlins in 1997 were not available. The Cavaliers’ blowout loss in Game 2 of this year’s NBA Finals had a 32.1, while their overtime win in the previous year’s finals had a 42.1.
In Chicago, the game had a 35.4 rating — down 10% from Astros/White Sox in 2005, which aired on a Sunday night with an NFL lead-in (39.5).
(Wed. numbers from Fox Sports)
