2012 was one of the most magical seasons in Washington Nationals history. They made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and won 98 games, still a single season record.
There was a buzz in DC heading into the playoffs. The franchise was entering uncharted waters with a team that was ready to win in the present and future. Headlines by a 19 year old Bryce Harper, the team had the world at its feet.
In the NLDS, they would face a team that was the opposite of them in many ways. The Cardinals were a veteran laden team, who had been there and done that.