You’re probably just as surprised by the success that the Phillies were having post-All Star break (before Arizona) as everyone else. They hit the ball well, they pitched the ball well (before Arizona), and haven’t played too shabby a defense either.
It seems that the team was jelling, albeit way too late to matter when it comes to getting themselves into postseason position. That doesn’t mean they can’t factor into the postseason discussion, as they have 15 games remaining against the Mets and Nationals, the two teams fighting for the NL East crown.
While they were perhaps looked upon as definite wins in the opposing team’s ledger, they have been (before Arizona) a much tougher opponent to deal with.