Jeanmar Gomez to open season as Phillies closer

Jeanmar Gomez has fought off the competiton and will start the season at closer for the Phialdelphia Phillies, manager PeteMackanin said Thursday.

Gomez, who saved 37 games in 43 chances last season, was competing for the job during spring training with free-agent signee Joaquin Benoit and Hector Neris, who struck out 102 batters in 80 innings last season.

Benoit has pitched in middle relief the past few seasons but saved 24 games for the Tigers in 2013.

Gomez has made pitched 9 2/3 innings over eight appearances this spring, allowing one run on four hits and striking out five.