Looking at the biggest storylines of the second half for the National League East-leading Phillies as they attempt to make another World Series run.

The Phillies also experienced other playoff seasons, though several less successful spans left fans wondering if the franchise would ever contend again. None of the Phillies’ accomplishments would have been possible without certain players swinging the bat and throwing the baseball especially well.

They’ve been torching all comers for the bulk of the last two months, playing 19 games over .500 (31-12) since May 24. Impressively, they managed to shift into an even higher gear heading into the All-Star break, winning their last seven games — three of them against the mighty Dodgers — by a combined score of 40-14.

The Phillies criticized MLB after two of their pitchers weren't named replacements but Jacob Misiorowski, after five starts, made the team.

From 10,000 feet, the Phillies have a strong offense, a strong starting pitching contingent and are in first place in the NL East as they prepare for the stretch run this summer. Philly is also just two games back in the loss column from having the best record in the National League. They're in a pretty good spot.