Minor-league week in review: Crouse throws gem in Double-A finale

Hans Crouse was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline. (Cheryl Pursell)

Reading Fightin Phils pitcher Hans Crouse saved his best for last on Sunday, making his best start since joining the Philadelphia Phillies organization on the final day of the Double-A season.

The right-hander earned the win as the Fightins topped Binghamton 4-0 at Mirabito Stadium.

The victory brought Reading’s season record to 48-65; the Low-A Clearwater Threshers concluded their season at 52-64; the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws finished at 56-62; the Florida Complex League Phillies had a record of 26-14.

The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who still play until Oct. 3, have a 52-66 record.

Crouse stays sharp in finale

Crouse, acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline, tossed six shutout innings against the Rumble Ponies on Sunday, while striking out nine and only allowing four hits. The Fightins then handed the ball to left-hander David Parkinson, who threw three scoreless innings to close out the game.

For Crouse, his final start with Reading completed what’s been a solid overall season in the minors. The 23-year-old had a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts for three minor-league teams across two levels.

Clearwater no-hit in Dunedin

The Threshers fell victim to a dominant pitching performance in Dunedin on Wednesday, mustering no hits over seven innings against Blue Jays prospect Trent Palmer in the second end of a doubleheader.

Palmer had previously thrown a no-hitter on Aug. 19. Against Clearwater, he allowed only four baserunners on two walks and two hit batters and struck out nine hitters.

BlueClaws organize with Cyclones

As reported by Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, players from the BlueClaws and Brooklyn Cyclones came together to bring attention low wages and poor conditions endured by those all throughout the minor leagues on Saturday by sporting wristbands that read #FairBall.

More information on the players’ action and the conditions for minor-league players can be found here:

Bohm returns to lineup

Third baseman Alec Bohm returned to the Lehigh Valley lineup on Friday for the first time since suffering a hand injury on Aug. 29. In three games since starting to play again, the 25-year-old is 1-for-11 with a run scored and two walks.

Bohm was sent down to Triple-A on Aug. 22 after struggling with the Phillies throughout the season. He’s batting .250/.386/.306 with two doubles in 10 games this minor-league season.