Blue Jays vs. Dodgers: 18-Inning Game Draws Remarkable Viewership
In a thrilling encounter, the Game 3 of the World Series featured an unforgettable moment when Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 18th inning. This dramatic win, which concluded around 2:50 a.m. ET, secured a 6–5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and captivated millions of viewers nationwide.
Remarkable Viewership Highlights
Despite the late hour, Nielsen reported that approximately 8.5 million people in the United States were still tuned in to watch Freeman’s decisive swing. This was an unprecedented situation, as viewership had actually increased since the game’s first pitch.
- Average viewership for Game 3: 11.4 million
- Peak viewership: 13.1 million, occurring between 11:30 and 11:45 p.m. ET during the ninth inning
- Game duration: 6 hours and 39 minutes
The game faced stiff competition from a Monday Night Football matchup between the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs, which attracted 17.6 million viewers. In comparison, the first two games of the World Series attracted 13.3 million viewers for Game 1 and 11.6 million for Game 2.
Viewership Analysis
While the viewership figures reflect a significant audience, the presence of a Canadian team like the Blue Jays creates complexities in analyzing the ratings. Notably, Monday’s game became the fourth least-watched Game 3 in the U.S. since 2012, according to Sports Media Watch. This could be attributed in part to differences in Nielsen’s methodology for counting viewers.
Implications for the Dodgers and Blue Jays
Freeman’s remarkable performance has heightened anticipation for the next game, particularly with his previous game’s heroics. However, Joe Davis, the Dodgers’ play-by-play announcer, has faced scrutiny over perceived bias in his commentary, particularly as the Blue Jays pulled off two consecutive wins following the intense 18-inning showdown.
Conclusion
The Blue Jays and Dodgers remain locked in a competitive World Series, with next games promising more drama and excitement. With millions of viewers engaged, the stakes are high as both teams vie for baseball’s ultimate prize.
