While Chase Utley’s first visit to Citi Field since the 2015 National League Division Series was overshadowed by the Los Angeles Dodgers calling up Julio Urias for his Major League debut, New York Mets fans never lost focus on their top priority.
Heading into Friday’s series opener Utley said he anticipated plenty of hostility from the crowd due to his hard slide that broke Ruben Tejada’s leg in Game 2 of last year’s NLDS.
To no surprise, boos rained down the Utley’s name was announced with the Dodgers’ lineup and during each of his at-bats. Utley’s demeanor never changed, with his first impact coming in the third inning.
After the Dodgers loaded the bases with no outs, Utley’s sacrifice fly cut their deficit to 3-1. The Mets held a 5-1 lead when the ninth inning began and handed the ball to closer Jeurys Familia.
The Dodgers managed to load the bases and scored a run as Familia walked Yasmani Grandal. After striking out pinch-hitter Trayce Thompson, Familia faced Utley with two outs and the bases still full.
Utley jumped on Familia’s first pitch, driving a shot to the right-center field gap for a three-run double that tied the game:
The excitement from Utley’s hit was short-lived as Pedro Baez entered in the bottom of the ninth and promptly gave up a walk-off home run to Curtis Granderson.
