Sometimes, the key to breaking out of a slump isn't more batting practice—it's a little bit of childhood magic. For Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, that magic came in the form of Pokémon cards, courtesy of teammate and three-time MVP Mike Trout.

Trout had a simple idea before Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox: open some Pokémon packs together to clear their heads. What started as a lighthearted distraction quickly turned into something special. Neto pulled a rare Charizard card—one of the most coveted finds in the collecting world—and Trout joked that the box would bring them home runs.

Turns out, he wasn't wrong. Neto launched a homer. Trout followed suit. And the Angels walked away with a 4-3 victory. After the game, Neto told MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger that the pregame ritual helped him get his mind off his struggles at the plate. Trout even greeted Neto with a hug after his home run, celebrating both the win and the bond that made it possible.

Pokémon card collecting has surged in popularity in recent years, with influencers and athletes alike sharing the thrill of opening packs live. For Neto and Trout, it wasn't about the cards' value—it was about resetting mentally and having some fun. And when that Charizard appeared, the good vibes were undeniable.

In a sport where superstition and routine often reign supreme, this one's a reminder that sometimes, the best strategy is just to play like a kid again.