In yet another deciding Game 5 MLB showdown, the Washington Nationals will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals in what should be an intense playoff matchup. The stakes will be high for both clubs, as the Cardinals will look to advance and repeat as World Series champions, and the Nationals will aim add another chapter into their 2012 storybook season. The winner of the game will go on to face the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.

In terms of momentum, hometown Washington clearly has the edge after the heroics of Jayson Werth, as he gave the Nationals a Game 4 victory with a bottom of the ninth home run. The right fielder had the opportunity to speak to the Sporting News regarding his game-winning shot that sent his team into Game 5.

"It's what it's all about. It's what you play all season for and what you work out all winter for and what you get to spring training early for. We have a chance tomorrow to take that next step. I know my teammates will be ready and the city will, too."

The Nats will be sending their red-hot ace Gio Gonzalez to the hill, who hasn't given up an earned run in over 23 innings. However, St. Louis is no stranger to adversity. Star first baseman Allen Craig, who successfully replaced the departed Albert Pujols (Los Angeles Angels), spoke to the sports site about the Cardinals' innate ability to play in the clutch.

"We got a lot of experience, a lot of confidence built. Just going to the World Series and winning the World Series, having to play a Game 7 and come out on top - you're seeing a lot of us use that experience so far this postseason."

St. Louis previously went 4-0 in elimination games up until their 2011 World Series title, and recently took out the Atlanta Braves 6-3 in last Friday's NL Wild Card Game.

"We had a tough, do-or-die game in Atlanta and came out on top, and after we won that game, I think we started to feel really good about ourselves and get that feeling like we had last year," he added.

CLICK HERE to watch the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals via live stream. Coverage will begin on Oct. 12 @ 8:30 PM ET.

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Mlb, Television