How Pokemon cards with Mike Trout helped Zach Neto break out of his slump

TL;DR

Zach Neto broke out of his slump with the help of Mike Trout, who suggested they open Pokemon cards before a game. This unique approach aimed to lighten the mood and boost Neto's performance.

Key points

Zach Neto was struggling in his performance.
Mike Trout suggested opening Pokemon cards.
The activity took place before a game against the Chicago White Sox.

Mentioned in this story

Mike Trout

Los Angeles AngelsChicago White SoxZach Neto

How Pokemon cards with Mike Trout helped Zach Neto break out of his slump originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Zach Neto needed a way to break out of his slump.

His Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout had an idea: Pokemon cards.

Trout decided Tuesday that the two of them should open some cards before their game against the Chicago White Sox.

It went well -- Neto pulled a Charizard.

And then the game went well, too. Neto homered. Trout homered. And the Angels won 4-3.

This is how MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reported the action after the game:

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Charizard cards are some of the most popular and highly regarded that a collector can find, particularly if you end up with a rare version of the powerful fire-type Pokemon.

Card collecting has picked up again in recent years, and many social figures with large followings have taken to opening packs on streams to let fans experience the moment with them.

Q&A

How did Mike Trout help Zach Neto with Pokemon cards?

Mike Trout suggested opening Pokemon cards before a game to help Zach Neto break out of his slump.

What team does Zach Neto play for?

Zach Neto plays for the Los Angeles Angels.

Which team did the Angels play against when Neto opened Pokemon cards?

The Angels played against the Chicago White Sox when Neto opened the Pokemon cards.