The Bucs also drew the third-highest household ratings of all U.S.-based Major League clubs this year. They rewarded that audience with a 98-64 record, the second-best mark in the Majors and Pittsburgh's best since 1991.
The Pirates' ratings this season were up 9 percent over last season and 2.5 percent over the 2013 campaign.
The 8.4 rating was a 75 percent increase over the Pirates 10-year average, according to ROOT SPORTS. The Bucs posted an 8.7 average household rating in primetime (from 7-10 p.m.) -- 48 percent higher than their closest competition. All ratings are according to Nielsen Media Research.