This is a hit one family will talk about for years to come.
Padres rookie Daniel Camarena became the first relief pitcher to hit a grand slam since Pittsburgh’s Don Robinson on Sept. 12, 1985 when he launched Nationals ace Max Scherzer’s pitch into right field Thursday night. The 28-year-old was the first Padres player to have a grand slam for their first career hit, and he’s the second pitcher ever whose first hit was a grand slam.
The moment was made sweeter when Camarena’s family was caught on camera celebrating the grand slam.
Cameras caught Camarena’s family jumping up and down in disbelief. His brother shouts “Oh my god,” before crouching down to the floor in excitement. His whole family was stunned as was Camarena who claimed he “blacked out” as he began to run the bases.
“We worked real hard through a lot, a lot. Little league, travel ball, we went at it,” Louie Camarena, Daniel’s brother, told Bally Sports. “My mom and dad bought a batting cage, and that’s all we did. It’s just very, very rewarding. It feels very beautiful to be living this moment honoring mom, dad, our family, all our friends, the community, doing it here in our hometown, you just can’t script it.”
Daniel Camarena said he “blacked out” after hitting the grand slam.
“I hit first base and then all of a sudden I noticed the lights were flashing in the stadium and that’s when it kind of hit, like, Oh my God I just hit a home run. Not only that, a grand slam,” he said.
The grand slam was not only a historical moment, but also a pivotal point in the Padres’ comeback victory over the Nationals. San Diego was down 8-2 before the grand slam. Camarena’s dinger was able to bring them back to within reach, marking the turning point for the Padres’ 9-8 win.
Tommy Pham was able to tie the game at eight after an RBI double. With runners on second and third with two outs, Trent Grisham was able to cement the victory on a walk-off single to complete the comeback.
“Down 8-0 to Max Scherzer, our ace goes out of the game, we get a grand slam from a pitcher just called up today, probably at the top,” Padres manager Jayce Tingler said. “It’s special and that’s why I’m confident we’re going to do special things, just because of the way we fight. We don’t lay down, we just keep going.”