After the Giants took Game 1 behind a terrific performance from Jake Peavy, the Nationals had all the pressure going into Game 2.
Jordan Zimmermann got the call for Washington and did not disappoint, looking phenomenal in 8 2/3 innings.
Anthony Rendon delivered an RBI single in the third, part of a four hit effort on the night.
That hit looked like it would hold up, as the Giants never got anything going through the first 8 2/3 innings against Zimmermann, mustering just three singles.
However, with Zimmermann pulled after walking Joe Panik, Drew Storen came in to get the final out, but gave up a single to Buster Posey and a game-tying RBI double to Pablo Sandoval.
Little did anyone expect that game-tying hit to lead to the longest postseason game in MLB history.
After eight scoreless extra innings, the Nationals had to go to starter Tanner Roark for the 17th and 18th innings, and it was Roark who gave up a leadoff home run to Brandon Belt to start the 18th.
Turning Point: Brandon Belt launched a solo home run off of Tanner Roark in the top of the 18th inning, giving the Giants the lead.
It was the first run scored by either team since the top of the 9th, and Belt's first hit of the game after starting out 0-6.
Giants MVP: Tim Hudson - 7 1/3 IP, 7 hits, 1 earned run, 8 strikeouts
Hudson's effort will be completely overshadowed by Zimmermann's, but it was still a crucial performance despite the outcome. Hudson got back on track after struggling over the season's final two months, and though it didn't seem like it at the time, gave the Giants some much needed innings in a game where every pitcher was used.
Nationals MVP: Jordan Zimmermann - 8 1/3 IP, 3 hits, 1 earned runs, 6 strikeouts
Washington needed a victory, and Zimmermann did almost everything he could to shoulder the win for his team. In his first start since throwing a no-hitter on the regular season's final day, Zimmermann looked just as good in this one. He was pulled with one out to go, but Storen blew the save.
What's Next?
The series heads to San Francisco for two games, where Game 3 will feature Madison Bumgarner - who threw nine shutout innings in the Wild Card win over Pittsburgh - against Doug Fister (16-6, 2.41 ERA) on Monday.
The Nationals went 3-1 at AT&T Park in the regular season.
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