As the All-Star break comes and goes, the second half of the major league season is in full swing. Many teams are battling through their divisions to take first place and receive a spot in the playoffs. However, no battle has been closer than that in the National League between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams are having stand-out seasons as they go back and forth between first place in this division. The Atlanta Braves are currently .5 games out of first place as the begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. Let's take a look into three keys to success that are essential to the Atlanta Braves.

Pitching

Pitching has been the story of the season for the Atlanta Braves, but not in a positive way. Although they have All-Star Mike Foltynewicz and veteran Julio Teheran as starters on the mound, problems often arise as the relievers and closers enter the game. The lack of depth and strength in the bullpen creates problems for the team by putting a lot of pressure on the offense to score large amounts of runs. However, just before the non-waiver trade deadline, the Braves attempted to add some depth to their pitching staff by acquiring former Orioles Gausman and O'Day. General manager Alex Anthopoulos managed to acquire these essential additions without losing too many of the Braves' prospects, allowing for not the only present success, but also insurance for the future of the program.

Top Half of the Lineup

Throughout this season, the Braves' offense has been one of the most exciting in all of baseball. Stacked with two of the youngest, yet most explosive, players in Albies and Acuna Jr. and All-Stars Freeman and Markakis, the top half of this lineup determines the success of this team. Albies and Acuna Jr. have sparked the offense that has not been seen in many seasons, and if they continue to stay hot and find a way on base it allows power hitters such as Markakis and Freeman to be up to bat in big RBI situations. As a whole, the lineup needs to avoid leaving runners on base and resort back to fundamental baseball in order to score as many runs as possible. Acuna Jr. has recently taken the leadoff position, and consistency from him at this spot could allow for great success for this offense.

Play to Their Strengths

Athletic teams often focus on the weaknesses their team contracts, pitching would be the case for the Atlanta Braves, but if a team such as the Braves can play each game to their strengths they could obtain a lot of success. Youth has become a great advantage for this team, and it is something that needs to be capitalized on. Playing aggressively and putting pressure on opponents' defense and pitching by having long at-bats and being aggressive on the base paths. Not only will Abiles and Acuna Jr. be leaders of this aspect of the team, but also Camargo and Swanson who hold down the left side of the infield. By capitalizing on the youthful players, the team gives the veteran players to take control of the bigger situations and ultimately lead the Braves to the NLCS.