Ep 3. Beanball

Ginny Baker is back on the mound for the San Diego Padres in Season 1, Episode 3 of Pitch, titled "Beanball." With two successful games already under her belt, she's feeling the pressure to keep up her performance and prove her worth as the first female player in Major League Baseball.

The episode sees Ginny facing unexpected obstacles both on and off the field. On the day of her third game, Ginny is first hit by a pitch during practice, and then has to deal with the aftermath of accidentally hitting a batter in the previous game. This creates tension between Ginny and her teammates, as well as with the opposing team.

As the game gets underway, Ginny is visibly shaken and off her game due to the pressure and the incident from the previous game. She struggles to regain her focus and control, resulting in several more wild pitches - including one that comes dangerously close to hitting a player.

As the game continues, it becomes clear that Ginny's issues aren't just physical, but also mental. She's dealing with the trauma of her father's death and her strained relationship with her mother, which has been exacerbated by her newfound fame. Ginny's insecurity is compounded by the fact that some of her teammates don't seem to trust her, a fact that is not helped by the opposing team's tactic of throwing high and tight pitches.

Off the field, Ginny's agent Amelia continues to push the team to market Ginny as a brand and get her endorsement deals. Ginny is hesitant about the sudden attention and doesn't want to become a figurehead for anything other than her athletic ability.

Meanwhile, Mike questions his own abilities as a coach after a difficult interaction with his estranged daughter. This subplot provides an opportunity for the show to explore the complex relationships between fathers and daughters, as well as to dig deeper into Mike's backstory.

As the game draws to a close, Ginny is put back on the mound for the final inning. With the game on the line, she channels her trauma and lets it go, throwing pitch after pitch with precision and control. It's a triumphant moment for Ginny, who proves to herself and her team that she has what it takes to play at this level.

Overall, "Beanball" is a powerful episode that showcases both the challenges and rewards of being a pioneer. Ginny continues to struggle with the weight of expectation and the scrutiny that comes with being the first woman in baseball, while also dealing with personal demons and the ups and downs of relationships. However, the episode ultimately celebrates Ginny's strength and resilience, and leaves the audience excited to see what she'll do next.