Japanese Title: Bug Catching Tournament! Capture a Pokémon at the Nature Park!!
Original Airdate: August 24th, 2000
US Airdate: August 25th, 2001
En route to Ecruteak City, our heroes make their way through Goldenrod National Park. Finding that a Bug Pokémon catching contest is being held, Ash signs up and runs into fellow trainer Casey and her Chikorita. In an effort to catch the best Bug Pokémon and win the contest, Casey pushes her Chikorita too hard and learns a lesson about the importance of putting her Pokémon's welfare ahead of winning. Watch as Casey's Chikorita evolves in order to help save Ash and Pikachu from Team Rocket's grasp!Tropes
- Breaking the Fourth Wall: Casey addresses the viewers as the episode closes out, reminding them to root for the Electabuzz team.
- The Bus Came Back: Casey from "The Double Trouble Header" returns.
- Call-Back: Once again, Ash fails to catch a Weedle due to another trainer's interference. But this time, he does manage to catch a Beedrill in the end.
- Lampshade Hanging: Jessie on how everything's being described with a baseball metaphor.Jessie: Now I suppose we'll all have to start using baseball terms.
- Magical Security Cam: The contest has amazing video coverage of the forest.
- My God, What Have I Done?: Once Casey realizes her mistake, she starts crying about how selfish she's been.
- Took a Level in Badass: Casey's Chikorita evolves into Bayleef, and Casey herself is a notably more competent trainer than she was before.
- What the Hell, Hero?: When Casey pushes Chikorita too hard, Ash and Misty chew her out for it.
