Washington Nationals stud Stephen Strasburg’s first start in MLB on Tuesday night was so hyped up that it sold out in a mere two hours once it was announced he’d be on the mound. It was also picked up by the MLB Network.
He didn’t disappoint as he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates over seven innings to pick up his first win. And when it was announced that he’ll start on Sunday against the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland, the Indians ticket office phone lines lit up with people wanting tickets. With still four days to go, Strasburg could be pitching in front of a packed house at Progressive Field.
And wouldn’t you guess it, the folks at Turner Sports have taken notice as they’ve decided to bump the Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park on Sunday from TBS. Instead, they’ll be airing Strasburg’s second MLB start against the Indians.
Normally a game between the Phillies and Red Sox would be a ratings grabber for TBS because of the national profile of the two teams. Sure it’s going to piss off a few Red Sox fans who don’t live in either the Red Sox or Phillies television markets.
But you can fault TBS for jumping on the Strasburg train because they’ll probably get much better ratings with him on the mound. After all, MASN got a 7.1 share of his first start in the D.C. television market alone.
TBS Switches Games on Sunday To Show Stephen Strasburg [Fang’s Bites]
Strasburg debut smashes MASN ratings record [D.C. Sports Bog]
