· 2026-07-02

The Philadelphia Phillies have surged back into contention in the National League East with a 49-38 record, on a W2 streak, after beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-6 on July 1.
The Phillies' resurgence began after a change at the helm, with manager Don Mattingly leading the team to a series of wins.
The team's record now stands at 49-38, with a W2 streak, after the July 1 win against the Pirates.
The Atlanta Braves, who once held a commanding division lead, have struggled to retain their momentum, going 3-9 since June 13.
Don Mattingly, the Phillies' manager, has sent a message to the Braves, stating that he is focused on his own team's progress.
The Phillies will continue to focus on stacking wins and improving their position in the standings, with two series remaining against the Braves in September.
The team's strategy has coincided with a difficult stretch for the Braves, making the National League East division race one of the more compelling storylines in baseball.
And with the gap narrowing, the Phillies are poised to make a push for the division title.
But for now, the team is taking it day by day, with Mattingly emphasizing the importance of gradual improvement.
The Phillies' turnaround has been notable, with the team climbing back into contention after a disastrous start to the season.
So the question on everyone's mind is: can the Phillies sustain their momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs?
The answer will depend on the team's ability to continue winning and improving their position in the standings.