For the first time since MLB began the League Division Series format began in 1995, all four series will go the distance. And TBS for the first time since obtaining the rights to the MLB Postseason in 2007, it will have the maximum amount of first round games, 20 out of a possible 20 (2 Wild Cards and 18 LDS games). Back when TBS began airing playoff baseball, it had bad luck airing just 13 out of a possible 20 in 2007. But this year, it gets to have a Game 5 doubleheader on Friday.
And for the first time in this year’s MLB Postseason, the St. Louis-Washington National League Division Series gets the primetime slot at 8:37 p.m. ET. Game 5 of the Baltimore-New York Yankees series begins early at 5:07 p.m. If you’re wondering why the ALDS goes early, it’s because the American League Championship Series will begin on Saturday. That’s right. There’s a short turnaround this year in between Game 5 of the ALDS and Game 1 of the ALCS. This is a one-time only thing. I’m sure the schedule makers at MLB will ensure at least a one day rest next year.
Here’s the press release from TBS.
TBS to Televise Two MLB Division Series Elimination Games Friday, Oct. 12
TBS will exclusively two MLB Division Series Game 5 match-ups on Friday, Oct. 12, including Baltimore vs. New York (if nec.) at 5 p.m. ET and St. Louis vs. Washington (if nec.) at 8:30 p.m. MLB On-Deck will preview the day’s action 30 minutes prior to the start of the first game and Inside MLB will recap the games on TBS.
The network will exclusively televise the American League Championship Series coverage on TBS. The ALCS will begin on TBS on Saturday, Oct. 13. The network’s commentator pairings for the Division Series games:
Date Time (ET) Games/Commentator Teams Network Friday, Oct. 12 4:30 p.m. MLB On-Deck
Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley and David WellsTBS 5 p.m. ALDS Game 5: Baltimore at New York
Ernie Johnson, John Smoltz, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Craig SagerTBS 8:30 p.m. NLDS Game 5: St. Louis at Washington
Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly and David AldridgeTBS Post-game Inside MLB
Matt Winer, Dennis Eckersley and David WellsTBS
That will do it.
