Spokane Indians Rewind: Hans Crouse catches on, Miguel Aparicio moves on

Hans Crouse struck out six over five shutout innings, allowed two hits and two walks and the Spokane Indians (6-7) beat the visiting Everett AquaSox (7-6) at Avista Stadium on Wednesday for their fourth straight victory.

Curtis Terry hit his NWL-leading sixth home run of the season while Diosbel Arias and Obie Ricumstrict added solo shots. Cristian Inoa added three hits.

After the game, the team confirmed that Texas Rangers No. 17 prospect outfielder Miguel Aparicio was promoted to Low-A Hickory and outfielder Austin O’Banion was sent to Spokane.

The big play: The back-to-back homers by Arias and Terry in the first inning really set the tone. Terry is in some kind of groove right now. His six homers are halfway to what he led the league with last season.

The Good: Hans Crouse. The big fella was completely overpowering. The fastball was advertised, sitting 96-97. The slider was devastating when he could set it up. And even his still-developing changeup was impressive agaisnt lefties on the few occasions that he used it.

“He did an awesome job out there tonight, controlling his fastball,” catcher Isaias Quiroz said. “We found that fastball inside which played a big part in establishing his slider and trying to get guys, when he throws that changeup, to swing over it.”

What did pitching coach Jono Armold see out of Crouse?

“Back to being Hans Crouse. Back to being himself. He was as competitive as I’ve ever seen him,” Artmold said.

“That changeup has developed a ton over the last year or so. His confidence in it has grown. He could have thrown it a lot more than he did. But situationally I don’t think it really called for it. He stayed more fastball-slider.”

The Bad: Miguel Aparicio went 0 for 3 in his last appearance for the Indians.

The Ugly: Manager Kenny Holmberg was ejected for arguing a ball called against Crouse in the fourth inning. Quiroz thought he had an inside fastball framed for a strike and Crouse kicked his head back at the call.

Home plate umpire Andrew Clark heard something he didn’t like, turned toward the Indians dugout and tossed Holmberg immediately.

Holmberg came out and proceeded to get his money’s worth, kicking dirt on home plate before eventually making his way down the tunnel.

“He made a good pitch there,” Holmberg said. “That’s all I said. I’m going to fight for our guys.”

The Takeaway: Some guys you watch at this level and wonder what the scouts saw. Crouse is not one of those guys.

He’s tall, lanky, throws hard easily and seems to have a real competitive makeup.

The fastball and slider are pretty close to being MLB weapons already, he just needs to fine-tune his control and command. If he can be consistent with the changeup he displayed on Wednesday, he could move quickly through the organization.

Next Game: Indians vs. Everett on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Avista Stadium. Scheduled starters: LHP Jake Latz vs. RHP Jheyson Caraballo.

Minor League Report: Hillsboro, Tri-City and Salem-Keizer pick up wins. The Indians sit one game behind Everett and T-C for first place in the North Division.