Bulbagarden

What episode is it?

I'm trying to figure out how to make the Cerulean episode work without Team Rocket--I know Ash is going to battle Misty and earn a Cascade Badge fair and square, and that he's not gonna be roped into the Cerulean Sisters' show until MUCH later...

I see. Maybe have Ash take part in a fishing contest?

How would that work?

Not entirely sure, but you could have a person try to sabotage it so that they win.

I could still acknowledge Team Rocket's role by including Nugget Bridge and putting them there.

That works as well.

I could have Lilly, Violet, and Daisy send Ash on a wild Yungoos chase up through Nugget Bridge, only to run into Team Rocket. Misty arrives to help, but Ash's courage in the ensuing battle spurs her to give him a Cascade Badge anyway.