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What's behind MLB's home run surge?

One of the three solo homers that Jerad Eickhoff allowed last Wednesday in a win over Chicago landed in the first row of the Citizens Bank Park stands. Another, which traveled 350 feet, plopped into the flower bed that lines the left-field wall.

That one bothered Eickhoff, who had not thrown a great pitch but still was surprised to see it go over the wall. He stood behind the mound, arms at his hips, as White Sox catcher Alex Avila rounded the bases. Eickhoff has permitted 29 homers this season, which is tied for the league lead, although 22 are solo shots.