NEW YORK -- Jeanmar Gómez had been one of the Phillies' best stories of the season through mid-August.
He had transformed himself from a relatively anonymous middle reliever into a closer with 30-plus saves. But after he blew his sixth save of the season in the ninth inning Thursday night in a 9-8 loss in 11 innings to the Mets at Citi Field, one wonders how much longer he will be in that role, whether it be this season or next.
"Today was another bad day," Gomez said. "It's a big surprise. The last two weeks have been really tough for me. I don't know why it's happened the last two weeks."
Gomez allowed a two-run home run to José Reyes to tie the game with one out in the ninth. Gomez now has an 11.20 ERA (17 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings) in 17 appearances since Aug. 14. He has allowed 25 hits, six walks and three home runs in that span.
Opponents have hit .391 against him.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Wednesday that he would consider using another pitcher in the ninth inning in a save situation, but then offered Thursday afternoon that he would stick with Gomez because he wanted him to finish the season on a positive note.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow," Mackanin said after the game about the closer's role. "We'll make some kind of decision either way. I can't say I'm pleased with his performance, but we'll talk about it tomorrow."
If Mackanin changes his mind, Héctor Neris is the most likely candidate to take Gomez's place. Edubray Ramos is considered a closer-in-the-making, but he has less experience than Neris. Ramos served up the game-winning three-run home run to Asdrúbal Cabrera in the 11th on Thursday.

"It's really tough," shortstop Freddy Galvis said of Gomez's struggles. "Really tough. He's been good for us the last five months. He's been doing a pretty good job for us. He's had a hard time the last couple weeks. There's nothing we can say to him. He carried us for five months. He was doing a pretty good job. It's hard to see one of your guys get into that situation. I think he's going to turn himself around and do his best like he always does. He has to get back his confidence and make his pitch."
Gomez obviously hopes he gets another opportunity to redeem himself.
"For me when I come to the ballpark I try to forget about the last day," he said. "Tomorrow is a new day."