Phillies fans will need to tune in to Apple TV+ to catch tonight’s game against the New York Yankees. The game marks the beginning of a three-game series, and for the fourth consecutive season, Apple is streaming two games a week as part of its Friday Night Baseball doubleheader.
To access the game, viewers must have an Apple TV+ subscription, which costs $9.99 monthly, although first-time users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial. Apple’s deal with Major League Baseball continues through the 2028 season.
Wayne Randazzo will be calling the game alongside former Phillies pitcher and current analyst Dontrelle Willis. Reporting from Yankee Stadium will be Heidi Watney. Tonight’s matchup features Phillies’ Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.75 ERA) against Yankees’ Will Warren (6-5, 4.91 ERA), with the game slated to start at 7:05 p.m. Philadelphia time.
For fans who prefer not to stream the game, it will also be available to listen on 94.1 WIP, where Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker will be providing commentary. Additionally, many bars and restaurants in Philadelphia will be airing the game, thanks to a distribution deal with DirecTV.
Apple TV+ allows users to switch the audio to WIP, providing a synchronized experience with the game visuals. Following tonight’s game, the Phillies will return to NBC Sports Philadelphia on Saturday, featuring Tom McCarthy and John Kruk in the booth, with former pitcher Cole Hamels joining them on August 2.
For those interested, the Phillies are set for another appearance on Apple TV+ in August, with their game against the Atlanta Braves on the 29th, while an upcoming match against the Washington Nationals on August 17 will be exclusively streamed on the Roku Channel, which is free to access.
This multi-platform approach indicates growing trends in sports broadcasting, catering to diverse fan preferences. As MLB commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned recently, Apple is one of several bidders for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball package next season, hinting at a potential increase in streaming options for viewers in the near future.
With the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, fans are encouraged to stay connected and embrace these changes that offer more accessibility to their favorite teams.