The Phillies have been safely ensconced in first place since since May 2.

They remain there this morning. By their fingernails.

The Phils enter a three-game series against the Braves in Hot-Lanta with their margin over the Marlins now at a slim half-game. The Phillies come home this weekend for three games against the hated Mets.

Although the All-Star Game remains a few weeks off, the math tells us the season has already blown past the half-way point. The Phils have played 83 games and a just a bit better than mediocre. Literally. They are 44-39, five games over .500.

In the National League, that puts them in first place in the NL East. In the AL, it would put them well back in the pack in all three divisions.

Maybe that’s why they got waxed in the recent interleague play, going just 4-11.

Now it’s back to the comfy confines of the National League, and their little bandbox park. After this set with the Braves, the Phils play 10 straight games before the All-Star break at Citizens Bank Park.

It’s time for some fireworks. And not just the popular post-game shows that light up the skies in South Philly.

The Phils need to make a little noise of their own.