The Nationals home opener Monday against the Phillies on MASN showed a dramatic ratings increase over last year which is great news for both the team and the network.
The combo of WDCW and MASN-HD pulled a 1.6 rating which is a big increase over last years opener which came in at a 0.5 rating.
There is no question that the Nationals need to get better numbers but this is a very good start over last year and if the team can play close to .500 ball then their audience should grow.
For the team there needs to be strong ratings in Virginia and the Maryland suburbs and that is where this team will have to establish a base that they can then grow. It really is the state of Virginia with two counties in Maryland, Montgomery and Price Georges that are key to the Nationals.
MASN has a strong footprint in those areas and now the team just needs to play competitive baseball.
The Nats can be encouraged by the success of the Caps who started out with a base following and were able to grow it to the #2 professional team in town.
So Nats fans there is hope but like all sports it starts with winning.
But good to see strong opening day numbers that is always welcme news.
