Game 2's local rating was a 12.6, the second-lowest for an NLDS Game 2 in the team's last seven postseasonsGETTY IMAGES
The Cardinals-Braves NLDS "drew comparatively low television ratings in St. Louis," as Game 1 drew a 14.6 locally, the "worst figure for a Cards NLDS game in their last seven appearances," according to Dan Caesar of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. The local rating for Game 2 "dropped to 12.6, the second-lowest figure for a Game 2 in that same time frame." There also was a "decisive Game 5 for the fourth time in that span," and Wednesday's game was the "worst-rated (21.3) of those." The St. Louis rating for the "series as a whole, all of which was televised on TBS, was 15.6." There was an "extenuating circumstance this season, as none of the games began in prime time," with all five starting in the late afternoon. This comes a week after the Cards "completed the regular season with their worst rating in two decades" on FS Midwest, averaging a 6.6. Although that was "No. 1 among U.S.-based MLB clubs, it was a significant drop from last year's 7.3 figure." Four seasons ago, the rating was 10.0 (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/11).
RIVAL CALLER: The POST-DISPATCH's Caesar notes Brewers announcer Brian Anderson will do play-by-play for the Cardinals-Nationals NLCS on TBS. Anderson "just called the Cards-Braves division series matchup and has broadcast numerous other Redbirds postseason games over the years." He has a "smooth, conversational style and has been evenhanded in his broadcasts, but there will be no escaping the wrath of some Cardinals fans because his primary job is covering one of the team's rivals." Anderson will be "working with analysts Ron Darling and Jeff Francoeur," along with reporter Lauren Shehadi (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/11).
