Dodgers vs Mets NLCS Game 1 breaks multiple TV records with 8.48 million viewers tuning in
The NLCS Game 1 clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets on Tuesday broke several records in terms of viewership. Starring National League MVP frontrunners Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor, the game raked in numbers not seen in the league in more than a decade.
Game 1 that was broadcast by FOX, averaged 8.484 million viewers, including 8.264 million on FOX. The game became the most-watched league championship series game on any of the major American broadcasting networks since Game 1 of the 2009 ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels.
"FOX Sports draws largest LCS opener in 15 years" - @ FOX Sports PR
The matchup superceded last year's NLCS Game 1 between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks that averaged 3.775 million viewers. The Dodgers-Mets opener also drew peak viewership that amounted to more than 10 million watchers at around 8:15 p.m. ET.
On FOX's other platforms like FOX Deportes, the channel's Spanish-language platform, the game averaged around 220,000 viewers. Moreover, the curtain raiser was also the most streamed NLCS Game 1 in FOX Sports history.
Given the league's relative struggles in terms of viewership, especially during the 2023 World Series, which was the least watched since tracking began in 1968 — the high ratings this year are a welcome sight.
Mets tie series in NLCS Game 2
After getting dumpstered by the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 9-0, the New York Mets bounced back in Game 2 of the NLCS at Chavez Ravine. The visitors wasted no time proving their caliber as NL MVP frontrunner Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff home run off Ryan Brasier.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts planned to use a committee of pitchers to survive Game 2. He started Ryan Brasier but pulled him immediately at the conclusion of the first inning after issuing a home run.
Landon Knack was put in place to relieve Brasier, but the 27-year-old was peppered by the Mets in the second inning. The Mets' Tyrone Taylor hit a double that drove in Starling Marte. Mark Vientos then hit a grand slam to round up a five-run inning.
The Dodgers tried to mount a comeback via a Max Muncy solo shot in the fifth and a Tommy Edman two-run single in the sixth. However, it was all the offense LA could muster up as the game ended 7-3 for the Mets.