just because it's fully evolved doesn't immediantly mean it's going to be strong. Heck look at Torterra.
Not to mention given how reliant Alain is on his Charizard it could be rusty.
Torterra faced Bertha of the E4, did well enough.
Torterra faced Volkner's Electivire, got hit with a x4 surprise Ice Punch, in order to give more wins to Infernape.
Torterra faced Paul's Drapion, had to lose so Gliscor could get a win.
Honestly, Torterra is criminally underrated when looking at the opponents and plotforced losses he had to deal with.
Yes, but they also made it a point to show just how fast he grows in strength thanks to his rushed development. (How did he travel so fast around Kalos to collect I think 5 badges by XYZ 1 when he didn't have any in his previos appearance?)
So, I'm disappointed that this isn't a 6-4, but I understand that they're trying to make him out to be some prodigy trainer who can overcome strength with using planned out strategies. Which they haven't even shown yet in this battle so I'm hoping we get more than just attack after attack!
Man, this episode better have better thinking from Ash and Sawyer.
Clawitzer vs. Hawlucha: Counterstrategy 101 and Medicstrategy 101
Mega Sceptile vs. Raichu: Strategy 101
Slaking vs. Hawlucha: Counterstrategy 101
Heck, the kid uses moves like Attract and King's Shield and your saying that we don't see him be strategic enough? The battle is just getting started so don't worry so much.
Alain meanwhile has been relying on his mega charizard to get through battles, with the exception of Metagross (Who lost when used) we don't know how strong his other guys are, they could all be rusty due to Alain relying on Charizard so much.
I think it's a hard sell to say "Metagross lost when used". Charizard hadn't Mega evolved before facing Mega Garchomp, so it's a good assumption that Metagross went to town first.
But Ash is no slouch in the Kalos region. He's able to think outside the box, and I believe that will be Sawyer's downfall in the end. He has yet to adapt to Ash's battle style in real time.
Also, I believe that if Ash uses his other Pokemon against Sceptile, it may be top gain a sense of Sceptile's battle style. He has done that with his gym battles against Korina, Clermont, and Grant.
Ash s no slouch, yet this is the region that saw him lose two gym battles. The level is inconsistent at best.
Can't wait for Sawyer to crap himself when he sees Goodra.
League is filled to the brim with Mega Evolutions and Pseudo Legendaries (Tyranitar, Metagross, Salamence, Hydreigon, Goodra), so I honestly doubt it would shock him that much. Of course there will be some acknowledgment, but no fright or terror..