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Power surge: Albert Pujols hit 13 home runs in June

As the Los Angeles Angels' top-level decision-makers engage in a power struggle that likely sees GM Jerry Dipoto leave the organization, Albert Pujols showed he's really the one with all the power with his play on the field.

Pujols swatted a solo shot to left field in the Angels' 2-1 win over the Yankees on Tuesday to close out June with 13 home runs in 27 games. The 13 home runs in a month tied an Angels record held by Mo Vaughn and Tim Salmon, but where does it rank among Pujols' best power performances over a single month?

It's not No. 1, but it's close.

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Including this most recent tear, Pujols has hit double-digit home run in a month eight times in his illustrious career. All seven previous instances came during Pujols' time with the St. Louis Cardinals and the most he has hit in a month is 14, which he did in April 2006 and June 2009.

So while the 13 homers aren't quite a personal record, it's easily the most productive stretch Pujols has enjoyed since he put on an Angels uniform in 2012. It wasn't just about the big home run total either: Pujols hit .303 and his OBP was a mighty fine .395 while he had 26 RBIs and 13 walks compared to just eight strikeouts.

Seeing Pujols put up numbers like that brings back memories of when he was the most feared hitter in baseball. Those days are behind him now, but it's encouraging to see him get back to those heights. The Angels sure hope he can carry his hot play into July and through the rest of the season as they look to put some pressure on the division-leading Houston Astros in the AL West.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter.