-By Anthony Crupi

Despite an 80-minute rain delay, Game 3 of the 2009 World Series drew big numbers for Fox, averaging 15.4 million viewers Saturday night, an improvement of 57 percent versus last year’s Game 3.

According to Nielsen ratings data, the Yankees’ 8-5 win over Philadelphia drew the largest Game 3 audience since 2006, when the Oct. 24 Tigers-Cardinals matchup delivered 15.6 million viewers.

In Philadelphia, Game 3 drew a 36.0/57 household rating/share, up 28 percent from a 28.2/49 for last year’s Rays-Phillies contest. In the New York market, the game notched a 26.1/44, down 2 percent from a 26.5/39 for Game 3 of the 2003 Yankees-Marlins series.

Through the first three games, the Fall Classic is averaging 17.9 million viewers, up 46 percent from Games 1-3 of last season’s Rays-Phillies tilt, which averaged 12.3 million viewers.

Last night the Yankees took a commanding 3-1 Series lead over the defending champion Phillies, as Johnny Damon’s heads-up base running––he stole second and third base on the same pitch in the ninth inning––and Alex Rodriguez’ clutch RBI double helped New York move one step closer to claiming its 27th MLB title.

Ratings for Game 4 will be out later today.