-By Anthony Crupi

Game 4 of the 2009 World Series drew the largest crowd for the fourth Fall Classic matchup since 2004, as the Yankees-Phillies showdown drew 22.8 million viewers on Fox Sunday night.

The Nielsen fast-national delivery marked a 47 percent lift versus last year’s comparable game between the Phillies and Rays, which drew 15.5 million viewers. The last Game 4 to better Sunday night’s delivery was the deciding game of the 2004 World Series, which saw the Boston Red Sox take their first MLB title since 1918. The historic Sox-Cardinals clincher served up 28.8 million viewers on Oct. 27, 2004.

Through the first four games of the Series, Fox is averaging 19.2 million viewers.

The Yankees-Phillies meeting got a lift from its NFL lead-in. Per Nielsen overnights, Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field for the first time since leaving the Packers in 2007 drew an 18.3.

Fox’ coverage of the 2009 World Series continues Monday night at 7:57 p.m. The Yankees will look to secure their 27th MLB title, sending A.J. Burnett to the hill against Phillies ace Cliff Lee. If necessary, the Series will return to the Bronx for Game 6 on Wednesday, Nov. 4.