Mookie Betts’ walk-off single leads Red Sox over Blue Jays

Take a look around the league with Big League Stew’s daily wrap up. We’ll hit on all of the biggest moments from the day that you may have missed, while providing highlights, photos and interesting stats.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts entered the season with enormous expectations, but has gotten off to a slow start to begin the year. That may have changed Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

With men on first and second, Betts delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Betts stepped to the plate against rookie Miguel Castro, and, on the second pitch he saw, hit a ground ball into center for the game-winning hit. 

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Betts was a consistent force throughout the contest, reaching base four times. After walking in the first, Betts doubled in the fifth and added a single in the eighth. With the performance, Betts raised his average to .218.

Both teams suffered injuries during the contest. Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval had to exit the game early due to a neck injury. He’s expected back in the lineup Tuesday. 

Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes managed to play the entire game, but was placed on the 15-day disabled list once the contest was completed. Reyes has been dealing with a rib injury for most of the season, but aggravated the issue Monday.

This is the third straight season in which Reyes has made a trip to the DL in April. He was hitting .250/.266/.300 over 66 plate appearances.

MURPHY BACKS GEE’S DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

Dillon Gee was masterful for the New York Mets on Monday against the Miami Marlins. Gee allowed one run on six hits over 7 2/3 innings. He stuck out three and did not issue any walks during the performance. Gee only needed 70 pitches in order to get the job done.

Gee was matched throughout the start by Marlins pitcher Jarred Cosart. Cosart gave up just two hits over eight strong innings, putting him in line for the win.

That changed in the ninth inning. With Steve Cishek on for the save, the Mets began their rally. 

Juan Lagares doubled to kick things off. That was followed up by a walk to Lucas Duda. With men on first and second, and one out, Daniel Murphy stepped to the plate. On the third pitch of the at-bat, Murphy clobbered an 89 mph sinker out to right for a three-run shot. 

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Jeurys Familia came on for the save in the bottom of the ninth, and tossed a perfect inning. Familia is a perfect nine-for-nine in save opportunities this season. With the win, the Mets improved to 15-5.

HOUSTON CAN’T STOP WINNING

Don’t look now, but the Houston Astros are the leaders in the American League West. Houston continued their April dominance, winning their fourth straight game Monday against the San Diego Padres.

With the win, the Astros will post their first winning record in April since 2006.

A win tonight guarantees the Astros their first winning record in April since 2006.

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) April 28, 2015

Jose Altuve has continued to be a force at the top of the lineup, but the team was also helped by both Colby Rasmus and Jed Lowrie on Monday. The trio combined for six of the team’s 10 hits, and five of the club’s nine RBI during the contest.

The club may be without Lowrie for some time, however. Lowrie scored on a base hit in the ninth inning, but slid into home awkwardly. He’s slated to have an MRI on Tuesday.

Lowrie flying to Houston for MRI tomorrow

— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) April 28, 2015

The 31-year-old Lowrie is hitting .300/.432/.567, with four home runs, over 74 plate appearances.

TAIJUAN WALKER SETTLES IN AGAINST TEXAS

The Seattle Mariners expected big things from Taijuan Walker this season. After the 22-year-old posted big numbers in spring training, it was assumed he was ready for a breakout.

That wasn’t the case during his first three starts. Walker was rocked during his first two appearances, giving up 14 earned runs in just 7 1/3 innings. While his third outing was better, Walker lasted 5 1/3 innings due to control issues.

In his fourth outing, against the Texas Rangers, Walker flashed the potential he showed in March. Walker allowed one unearned run over seven strong innings. He struck out five and walked one during the outing, earning his first win of the year. With the performance, Walker lowered his ERA to 6.86. 

Want to see more from Sunday’s slate of games? Check out our scoreboard.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik