NEW YORK – Playing in their first postseason game in franchise history at Citi Field, the New York Mets' offense came alive against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday evening in game three of the National League Division Series.
While both teams were immersed in the competition, Mets fans in attendance focused much of their efforts in cheering against former Philadelphia Phillies' second baseman Chase Utley.
Chants such as "We want Utley!" and "Utley sucks!" were heard throughout the night in the seven-year-old venue.
#Mets fans boo the hell out of Chase Utley #LGM pic.twitter.com/B2GyQFtW78
— Joe Buono (@JBuono611) October 13, 2015
Utley, 36, was suspended two games by Major League Baseball's Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre for his 'illegal slide' that subsequently broke the leg of Mets' shortstop Ruben Tejada in game two Saturday at the historic Dodger Stadium.
The six-time All-Star has since filed an appeal for his suspension, making him eligible to remain active in the series until it is heard and a final decision is made by league officials.
"We want Utley" chants echoing around Citi Field as Puig steps up to PH #LGM #NYMvsLAD pic.twitter.com/beCEPIhiX8
— Eli Blumenthal (@eliblumenthal) October 13, 2015
On top of being the subject of chants, Utley was also targeted at Citi Field with signs.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) October 13, 2015
Greetings from Citi Field. pic.twitter.com/ssrnffEtaS
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 12, 2015
Mets fans really gave it to Utley tonight. Check out this sign. #Utley #Mets http://t.co/SQcYU2KPqq pic.twitter.com/hdXXx19CmY
— Phil Sanchez (@Phil_Sanchez) October 13, 2015
Sign placed by Mets fans near the Dodgers dugout. #NYMvsLAD #Utley #Mets @NESTOR0804 @DeportesNY1050 pic.twitter.com/T9DMvRnXQ0
— Randall Villafane (@MrRandall_ESPN) October 13, 2015
Mets fans show anger at Dodgers' Chase Utley with creative signs #NYM http://t.co/e8Co6yhEyU pic.twitter.com/6n3HbNsyZr
— Mets Report (@mets_fanly) October 13, 2015
Mets fans bring the Chase Utley venom in the form of signs http://t.co/OQNDHltK2E (this pic via @KnicksMemes ) pic.twitter.com/uimZadpjuE
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) October 13, 2015
Utley did not play Monday, despite being a .333/.429/.556 batter over 21 career plate appearances in opposition of Mets' starter RHP Matt Harvey.
The series will resume at Citi Field Tuesday evening, 8:07 p.m. EST, on TBS.
The Mets will look to advance to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2006, when they lost a seven-game series to Tony La Russa and the eventual World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
