Padres rally for huge comeback win thanks to rookie pitcher Daniel Camarena's grand slam

With a starting pitching matchup of Max Scherzer for the Washington Nationals and Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres, runs figured to be at a premium Thursday night.

But neither ace made it past the fourth inning and a little-known reliever, one just promoted from the minor leagues, stole the spotlight as the Padres rallied for a 9-8 walk-off victory.

Journeyman Daniel Camarena, in just his second major league appearance, hit a grand slam off Scherzer during a seven-run fourth inning to help fuel San Diego's comeback from an eight-run deficit to win, tying a franchise record.

And to top it off, the slam was the 28-year-old Camarena's first major league hit.

The Nationals built their early lead on the strength of a pair of home runs from All-Star shortstop Trea Turner.

Darvish gave up six runs in three innings.

However, the Padres turned the tables in the fourth, scoring seven runs and knocking Scherzer out after 3 2/3 innings.

Then, with the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, center fielder Trent Grisham delivered an RBI single for the game-winner.

It was a measure of redemption for Grisham, who two years ago as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers made an error in the one-game NL wild-card playoff that led to a Nationals comeback victory -- and kick-started the Nats' run to a World Series title.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daniel Camarena hits grand slam off Max Scherzer in Padres comeback