Phillies

Phillies/Nationals was the Highest-Rated Regular Season Game on NBCSP Since 2012

By Russ Joy

Published: Apr 3rd, 2019 · 12:45 PM EDT

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We all knew Bryce Harper’s return to the nation’s capitol would draw big ratings numbers. Fresh off a season-opening sweep of last year’s NL East champion Atlanta Braves, Harper and his undefeated team had already lived up to – and in some ways exceeded – preseason expectations. Kevin and I talked about how much having a good Phillies team is for the city and for this very site on this morning’s Crossing Broadcast. There were quiet whispers debating the question that dominated months of sports talk radio from the end of thee last decade: Is Philadelphia actually a baseball city?

The people have spoken:

The game drew a 7.7 household rating on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, the highest-rated regular season game since Phillies-Mets on July 5, 2012.

— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) April 3, 2019

That is a ginormous rating for a Tuesday night game.

Keep in mind, this wasn’t on NBC Sports Philadelphia; it was on a network that used to be filled with hours of infomercials. It’s even more incredible when you consider that not every traditional cable/satellite provider carries the + channel. Add in the fact that so many people have cut the cord, which actually reduces the likelihood of a large chunk of viewers having access. The Harper effect is real.

For more on last night’s win and the series sweep of the Braves, check out Crossed Up with writers Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) and Bob Wankel (@BWCrossingBroad), subscribe [iTunes] [Google Play] [Stitcher] [RSS] and leave a five-star review.

https://art19.com/shows/crossed-up-a-phillies-podcast/episodes/4a38ce46-9227-4d99-af38-c9fa139529da