St. Louis Cardinals' 2012 NLDS Game 5 Comeback Revisited
On October 12, 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals erased a six-run deficit and then trailed 7-5 entering the ninth inning of Game 5 of the NLDS against Washington. Daniel Descalso's two-run single tied the score, and Pete Kozma followed with a two-run single that put St. Louis ahead. Jason Motte then closed out a 9-7 victory that sent the Cardinals to the NLCS.
On Oct. 12, 2012, St. Louis trailed Washington 6-0 early after Adam Wainwright's rough outing. The Cardinals cut the gap to 6-5 by the eighth, then entered the ninth down 7-5. Yadier Molina and David Freese each worked walks while facing elimination, loading the bases.
Daniel Descalso's first-pitch single up the middle tied it after Ian Desmond's dive failed. Pete Kozma, subbing for injured Rafael Furcal, then delivered a two-run single. Jason Motte retired Ryan Zimmerman on a popup to Descalso to seal a 9-7 win and a second straight NLCS trip.
This comeback may be remembered as an example of resilience, offering Cardinals fans a lasting shared memory and reinforcing how live sports can create communal moments. For Washington supporters, it could remain a painful near-miss. More broadly, such dramatic finishes may illustrate how sports narratives shape local identity and fan engagement, though their societal effect is likely cultural rather than sweeping.