After two intense Wild Card matchups that had many on the edge of their seats, the NLDS will kick off on Saturday with the Cincinnati Reds taking on the Detroit Tigers. Eliminated in 2010 at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Reds will look to redeem themselves in the post-season this time around. The club was swept three straight games, which included a no-hit performance against them by Roy Halladay in game 1. It was Cincinnati's first playoff appearance in 15 years and they'd clearly like to forget it.

However, the Giants came away in 2010 with an NLDS series win over the Atlanta Braves in four games. Although the set was dominated by poor defensive play, the Giants wound up victorious by the skin of their teeth.

In the NLCS, San Francisco went on to upset the powerhouse Phillies in six games to win their first NL pennant in eight years. To top it off, the Giants ended up taking out the Texas Rangers that year to become the World Series champions, which was their first title since 1954.

For the most part, the Reds have remained solid throughout the 2012 season. However, the situation did get shaky for the club in the middle of the year, as the Pittsburgh Pirates overtook the lead in the NL Central Division. Superstar Joey Votto had suffered a knee injury that required surgery and things appeared to be bleak. Overcoming the loss of their best player, Cincinnati went on a 33-16 stretch, including a span of ten straight victories, which put them back into first place for good.

San Francisco was underdogs in their own right. At the start of the 2012 season, many individuals felt like the Los Angeles Dodgers would run away with the NL West, but outfielder Matt Kemp became injured in June and the club lost their division lead to the Giants.

Though not a clear-cut favorite on paper, the Giants will look to replicate their 2010 championship with their gritty play. However, first things first, as a very tough Cincinnati team stands in their way.

CLICK HERE to watch the San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the ALDS via live stream. Coverage will begin on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 6 PM PST.

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Mlb, Television