Ep 3. The Practice Match

In Big Windup season 1 episode 3 titled "The Practice Match," the baseball team from Nishiura High School is gearing up for their upcoming practice match against Tosei High School. The episode begins with the team practicing their fielding drills, and the focus is on the team's catcher, Takaya Abe.

Abe is known for his exceptional catching skills and his ability to read the pitchers' intentions. However, he's also known for his strict and sometimes harsh approach towards the younger members of the team. During the practice match against Tosei, Abe takes it upon himself to guide the young pitcher, Mihashi Ren, through the game while also trying to help him build his confidence.

Mihashi is the new pitcher for Nishiura, and he's always been underestimated due to his small size and lack of experience. The team, especially Abe, struggles to understand Mihashi's pitching technique at first. However, as the match progresses, they start to see the potential in Mihashi's unique style.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on the team's growth as they learn to trust Mihashi's pitching and support him on the field. This trust is demonstrated through the team's fielding, as they become more cohesive and execute more complex plays. The match against Tosei becomes a turning point for the team, as they learn to play together and work towards a common goal.

The episode also showcases the team's preparation for the practice match. The team's coach, Maria Momoe, is seen analyzing Tosei's strengths and weaknesses and devising a strategy for the game. She stresses the importance of teamwork and communication, and her advice helps the team to play more efficiently on the field.

Aside from the team's performance, the episode also delves into the individual struggles of the players. Mihashi struggles with his lack of self-confidence, and Abe tries to balance his strict leadership style with being a supportive teammate. The episode explores these themes through their interactions with each other and their reflections on their own performance.

Overall, "The Practice Match" is a pivotal episode for the Nishiura baseball team. It highlights the growth of the team as they learn to trust each other and function as a cohesive unit. The episode also provides insight into the individual struggles of the players, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.