MLB sets HR record for 2nd straight month

Major League Baseball has seen a home run surge in recent years, and 2019 is proving to a banner year for power hitters.

There were 1,142 home runs hit in June, setting a new record for most long balls in a single month, according to ESPN. The previous record was short-lived, as it was set when MLB batters slugged 1,135 in May.

With two record-shattering months already, this season is expected to set a new mark for home runs. Hitters are on pace to swat 6,624 dingers before the regular season comes to an end, which would easily eclipse the prior record of 6,105 from 2017.

San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado led the way in the National League last month with 11 homers while Edwin Encarnacion matched that number in the AL while splitting time between the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees.

Altogether, 14 different players hit at least nine home runs in the month.

The Atlanta Braves led all teams with 56 round-trippers in June with the Minnesota Twins close behind with 51.