The New York Mets pulled off a stunning 4-2 comeback victory against the Milwaukee Brewers in the deciding game of the NL Wild Card Series, and fans were glued to their screens. The game, which aired on ESPN and streaming platforms, drew an average of 4,017,000 viewers, marking ESPN’s most-watched Major League Baseball game in three years.
Viewership peaked at an impressive 5.75 million during the ninth inning, as the Mets fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a spot in the divisional round for the first time since 2015. This victory was particularly sweet for Mets fans, as it harkened back to the team’s memorable run to the World Series in 2015.
The game’s viewership numbers were not only a win for the Mets but also a win for ESPN. This matchup became the most-watched playoff game on ESPN since the 2021 AL wild-card game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, which averaged 7.7 million viewers. The excitement of the Mets-Brewers showdown clearly resonated with baseball fans across the country.
Overall, this year’s MLB Wild Card Series games delivered strong viewership numbers for ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. The nine games in the series averaged 2.82 million viewers, marking a 25% increase from last year and a 1% gain from 2022. This uptick in viewership is a promising sign for the future of baseball broadcasting and the continued popularity of the sport.
As the Mets celebrate their thrilling victory and look ahead to the divisional round, fans can relish in the excitement of a game that captured the attention of millions of viewers. The magic of baseball was on full display during the NL Wild Card Series decider, and fans can’t wait to see what other thrilling moments the postseason has in store.