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Apple TV Plus Baseball: How to Watch, Stream Red Sox vs. Yankees, Cardinals vs. Dodgers For Free on Friday

Between Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols, Friday night could bring some historic baseball to Apple TV Plus. And you don't need to pay to watch.

Eli Blumenthal Senior Editor
Eli Blumenthal is a senior editor at CNET with a particular focus on covering the latest in the ever-changing worlds of telecom, streaming and sports. He previously worked as a technology reporter at USA Today.
Expertise 5G, mobile networks, wireless carriers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, streaming platforms, mobile and console gaming
Eli Blumenthal
3 min read
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees watches a ball disappear into the distance

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees will look to hit his 61st home run of the season on Friday night. 

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Whether you like it or not, Apple TV Plus streams baseball games. The iPhone-maker has been streaming Friday night games all season and that will continue tonight with two potentially historic games streaming for free on its service tonight. 

First up is a matchup between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at 7:05 p.m. ET (4:05 p.m. PT). Baseball's most storied rivalry usually attracts attention, but with the Yankees already destined for the postseason and the Red Sox nearly eliminated from playoff contention, all eyes are on Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. 

Judge currently has hit 60 home runs this season, one shy of the American League record of 61 hit by Yankee great Roger Maris in 1961. The Yankees star outfielder came within feet of hitting the tying shot Thursday night. 

Apple TV Plus' second game of the night could see yet another milestone home run. The St. Louis Cardinals will battle the Los Angeles Dodgers in California at 10:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. PT). The 104-win Dodgers have already locked up the NL West division, while the 88-win Cardinals are closing in on a playoff berth. As with the Yankees game, however, one player in particular will be in the spotlight: Cardinals great (and former Dodger) Albert Pujols and his quest for 700 home runs. He currently sits at 698 career dingers. 

Because these games are on Apple's streaming service, the only way to watch either contest will be on Apple TV Plus. They will not air on television at all, even if you live in a local market like New York or Los Angeles. 

Here's everything you need to know about these games and how to watch the rest of Apple TV Plus' baseball slate. 

Watch this: MLB Games Coming to Apple TV in Friday Night Baseball

Read more: How to Watch Baseball Without Cable 

FAQs

How much will this cost?

Apple normally charges $5 per month for Apple TV Plus, but its baseball games this season are available for free to "anyone with internet access." 

What devices can I watch on?

You can watch the games on any devices that have the Apple TV app. This includes iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs and Macs as well as streaming platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Google's Android TV and Google TV. 

If you have a game console, there is an Apple TV app for Microsoft's Xbox One and Xbox Series S and X, and Sony's PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Recent TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio also may have Apple TV apps. More details on supported devices can be found on Apple's site.

What about Android and Windows devices?

Apple does not have Apple TV Plus apps for Android devices or Windows computers, but it does let you stream its shows, and these games, using a web browser by going to tv.apple.com

You will, however, need to sign in to or make an Apple account to watch the games. 

Are the games available on TV, too?

No. These broadcasts are exclusive to Apple TV Plus, so you will not be able to watch them on your local regional sports network. 

Who are calling the games?

Stephen Nelson (play-by-play), Katie Nolan (analyst), Hunter Pence (analyst) and Heidi Watney (reporter) will call the Yankees/Red Sox game. 

Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Russell Dorsey (analyst), Chris Young (analyst) and Tricia Whitaker (reporter) will call the Dodgers/Cardinals matchup. 

Will the games stream in 4K?

Apple currently broadcasts games in 1080p HD.