Five things we learned about the Phillies from the first half of 2018

MIAMI, FL - JULY 13: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Altherr #23 after defeating the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 13, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 13: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Altherr #23 after defeating the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 13, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
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Phillies
MIAMI, FL – JULY 13: Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Rhys Hoskins #17 and Aaron Altherr #23 after defeating the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 13, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

The Phillies exceeded all expectations in the first half this season, leading the division at the break. Here are five things we learned from this half.

The Phillies were expected to take a step up from their 66-96 record last year. But did anyone expect them to be 11 wins over .500, hold the third-best record in the National League, and lead the National League East at the All-Star Break?

Thanks to steps forward by many players on the team, the team went from a 29-58 record at the All-Star Break last season to a 53-42 record at the break this season. They are the most improved team in the league compared to last year in terms of record and have put themselves in a great position for the second half.

Before the Phillies head into the second half, let’s take a look back at five things we learned from the first half of the season.

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