Neto’s Home Run Breakthrough

In a surprising twist, Zach Neto turned things around for himself in a big way on Tuesday night. The Angels shortstop shared with reporters that cracking open some Pokémon cards before the game played a crucial role in breaking him out of what he described as the worst batting slump of his career.

He recalled how Mike Trout, just a few hours before the game, stopped by and mentioned he had a case of playing cards. Trout jokingly said, “If you open it, there’s a home run inside.”

Neto, who had been struggling, going 0-for-18, found a spark. After the Angels secured a 4-3 victory over the White Sox, he remarked on how the lighthearted moment helped him regain his focus. “It really took my mind off baseball for a bit,” he noted. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

As fate would have it, both Neto and Trout ended up hitting home runs during the game. Trout got his in the first inning, driving a pitch from Eric Fedde over the fence, while Neto followed suit after the fourth inning, also sending a sweeper from Fedde sailing out.

Postgame, Neto couldn’t help but express gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Charizard.” The playful banter and card-opening routine seemed to lighten the mood, reminding him that sometimes a break from the pressure can lead to unexpected results.

Looking ahead, Trout, Neto, and their beloved fictional companions will take the field again during the series finale against the White Sox at Angel Stadium next Wednesday afternoon.