NEW YORK — Former LSU right-hander Brian Wilson, the San Francisco Giants’ closer, pitched effectively in relief for the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.
With the NL clinging to a one-run lead, Wilson was tapped to take the mound in the eighth inning to hold on to the advantage. He retired both batters he faced, recording a flyout against Carlos Quentin and battling through a nine-pitch at-bat to send Carlos Guillen out swinging.
“I thought it was exhilarating,” said Wilson, who leads the NL with 25 saves this season. “It didn’t matter what inning I pitched, I was going to go out there and try to get three outs or however many outs they needed.”
After the second out, Wilson handed the ball to NL manager Clint Hurdle of the Rockies as Mets closer Billy Wagner took over.
“I walked off with my head held high,” Wilson said. “It’s always awkward; during the season I don’t really get taken out in the middle of an inning, but it was a good feeling.”
The American League eventually defeated the National League, 4-3, in a 15-inning classic.
Wilson said he wanted the chance to step onto the mound, and once he was there, he could feel what the All-Star Game was about.
“It’s a great experience,” he said. “I’m just honored to represent my team and come down here. I got the opportunity to chuck the ball like I wanted to, and I really got to soak it all in.”
Wilson, the Giants’ 24th-round draft selection in 2003, posted an 18-10 career mark at LSU from 2001-03. He appeared in 51 games (22 starts), recording a 3.95 ERA with 64 walks and 128 strikeouts in 184.1 innings.
For more about Wilson’s All-Star outing, visit sfgiants.com.