Brian Wilson Upset at Casey Blake

The Giants won 7-5 yesterday in 13 innings, completing a 4-3 road trip, but closer Brian Wilson was not happy after the game. After hitting a one game-tying homer of Wilson in the 12th, Dodger Casey Blake returned to the dugout and imitated the Giants closer's postgame arm gesture. Friends sent Wilson photos and after the game he was distraught and did not want to talk. He was consoled by teammates. Blake has had no comment.

Wilson does the arm gesture at the end of games. Kept a secret initially, its meaning was later revealed to Andrew Baggarly as being a tribute to his late father, his faith, and the belief that you've still got fight left in you no matter the odds. Wilson does not face opponents when doing the gesture, instead looking out towards center field. "It shows no disrespect toward anybody," he has said. "It’s all positive praise. It’s not for showboating."

Wilson seemed to perceive Blake's gesture as an affront to his faith and late father, though it is unclear whether Blake knew the meaning.

Whether or not Blake was aware, he was still showing up Wilson. Blake had just hit a game-tying homer off an All Star closer and was probably feeling pretty pumped about it (as anybody would). Returning to the dugout, as a means of celebration, Blake opted to imitate Wilson's gesture. I took it to be his way of saying, "You won't be doing this today."

The Giants did score two runs in the 13th and Wilson closed things out for the win. Winning is the best revenge, and the rivalry now has more fuel.