Since the Phillies began the second half, the schedule has pointed to their final 11 battles in Atlanta (4), Denver (4) and Philadelphia vs. the Braves (3), but the first 151 games will only mean something if they eventually have a postseason shot.

September’s seven games:

To date, the Philadelphia Phillies numbers versus the Atlanta Braves were in a completely different setting with circumstances like the rookie manager’s analytics snafu. That stated, the combination of adrenaline and fatigue from the long campaign could factor into players rising to the occasion.

IN OTHER WORDS: “It is how you show up at the showdown that counts.” – Homer H. Norton

Before the first of two series begins in Atlanta, each franchise has at least eight contests beforehand with six at home. But while the Phils are 13-10 at the Bank in the second half, the Braves are 11-14.

Since the All-Star break, the red pinstripes are 7-5 against the clubs they’ll face: the Washington Nationals (1-2), the Miami Marlins (4-0) and the New York Mets (2-3). On the other hand, Atlanta has yet to play two of their three opponents: the San Francisco Giants (one game), Washington and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Both teams will face the Nationals for three home games, and they don’t appreciate the two franchises above them in the standings. Translation: the Nats want to determine the divisional survivor. Crucial outcomes?

For the Phillies, four contests now in Denver are not appealing because the Colorado Rockies are leading the NL West in a three-team race. Meanwhile, St. Louis has the second wild-card spot in a four-club competition. In other words, a challenge!

Unfortunately, expectations for the Phils and Braves to advance beyond the NLDS are low because both organizations are a year ahead of schedule. As for the champion, they will be an underdog to capture a playoff series. But getting to the Wild Card Game is also a long shot for the runner-up.

While Philly and Atlanta have seven games, each also has a third series against an NL contender. However, the Milwaukee Brewers have only two series, two clubs have three, and three franchises have a fourth series. Head-to-head battles mean a team can lose ground or play .500 ball in those contests.