Royals see highest surge in TV ratings

KANSAS CITY -- The Royals' jump into the American League postseason chase was accompanied by a jump in TV ratings -- the biggest increase in Major League Baseball.

Viewership for Royals' games on FOX Sports Kansas City jumped 70 percent, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The 143 telecasts averaged a 6.4 household rating, up from 3.8 in 2012. The Royals ranked sixth among all clubs, up from 15th last season.

The highest single-game rating of 12.3 came on Aug. 13 against Miami after the Royals had won 19 of 24 games following the All-Star break and moved into second place. The Royals lost that night, 1-0, in 10 innings.

FOX Sports also is claiming domination of summertime TV viewing in Kansas City as the No. 1 channel in prime time on 45 nights, June through September.