Mets Fans’ “DUI” Chant Overshadows 4-2 Win Over Pirates at Citi Field

NEW YORK — The New York Mets continued their strong start to the season on Saturday with a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing their second win of the campaign. The result added to an encouraging opening stretch for a team looking to build momentum early in the year.

However, the on-field action was briefly overshadowed by a moment involving the home crowd, as Mets fans directed a “DUI” chant toward Pirates outfielder Marcell Ozuna during a critical late-game at-bat. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the afternoon.

While Ozuna’s plate appearance ultimately ended in a routine flyout, the exchange between player and crowd drew attention due to the personal nature of the chant and its reference to a past legal incident in the outfielder’s career.

Despite the distraction, the Mets maintained control of the game, relying on timely hitting and strong situational pitching to secure the win at Citi Field.

1. Crowd Moment Sparks Controversy in Key Inning

The most notable off-field moment of the game occurred in the top of the seventh inning when Marcell Ozuna stepped to the plate for the Pirates. As the at-bat unfolded, a portion of the Citi Field crowd began chanting “DUI,” referencing a past incident in the veteran slugger’s history. The chant briefly intensified during the at-bat, creating a charged atmosphere in an otherwise routine regular-season contest. While fan engagement is common in high-leverage moments, the specific nature of the chant stood out for its personal reference. Ozuna remained focused at the plate and ultimately lifted a fly ball to right field, ending the inning without reaching base. The at-bat did not result in any visible reaction from the player on the field. Still, the moment quickly circulated as a talking point, highlighting the sometimes unpredictable intersection between fan behavior and player focus during live competition.

2. Background Behind the Reference

The chant referenced Ozuna’s 2022 arrest in Georgia, when he was pulled over for allegedly driving 90 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone while playing for the Atlanta Braves. He was charged with DUI and failure to maintain his lane in that incident. In 2023, Ozuna reached a plea agreement that included a $1,000 fine. That case was separate from a previous legal matter in 2021 involving domestic violence allegations. Since the DUI-related incident, Ozuna has not faced additional legal issues. Now with the Pirates, the 35-year-old veteran has continued his career without further off-field incidents, working to maintain consistency on the field as he transitions into a new chapter with Pittsburgh. The reference made by fans drew on those past events, despite the fact that they occurred several years ago and are not part of his current season performance.

3. Mets Stay Focused Amid Quiet Offensive Day

While the crowd moment drew attention, the Mets’ performance on the field remained the deciding factor in the 4-2 win. After an explosive Opening Day showing, New York’s offense was more subdued but still effective in key moments. Luis Robert Jr. once again played a central role in the Mets’ offense, delivering the team’s most impactful swing of the game. His home run accounted for New York’s only long ball and drove in three runs, providing the offensive separation needed to secure the win. Outside of Robert’s contribution, the Mets relied on timely hitting and pitching depth to maintain control of the game. Although the lineup was less dominant than in the season opener, it remained productive enough to support the victory. The combination of early-season power and situational execution has helped the Mets start the year on a positive note, even as consistency across the lineup continues to develop.