Batter up: HBO orders second season of 'Eastbound & Down'

Kenny Powers may not have made it back to the big leagues last year, but he'll be returning to HBO.

The network has renewed the comedy starring Danny McBride as a has-been pitcher who, after being booted from Major League Baseball, winds up back home in North Carolina teaching Phys Ed. Production on Season 2 will begin later this year for a premiere in 2010.

The show averaged 3.7 million viewers, cumulatively, per episode, according to HBO. Its Sunday-night airings, meanwhile, grew 35% over its six-episode run (617,000 viewers for the premiere vs. 904,000 for the finale.)

"'Eastbound & Down' is a raucous comedy that sparked a loyal and enthusiastic following that grew throughout the season, and we're happy to bring the show back for more innings," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said in a statement.

Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Chris Henchy, Jody Hill, Danny McBride and Ben Best executive produce.

-- Denise Martin

Photo: Fred Norris / HBO