CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State’s Kevin Gunderson is among five finalists for second annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association has announced. The finalists for the award that will recognize the top relief pitcher in college baseball include Gunderson, Don Czyz from Kansas, Josh Fields from Georgia, Vinnie Pestano from Cal State Fullerton and Cole St. Clair from Rice. All five pitchers helped their teams reach the NCAA Tournament, which began Friday across the nation.

Gunderson (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic HS), a junior lefthander, is 2-2 on the year with a 2.54 ERA and is tied for second in the nation with 15 saves. He holds OSU’s all-time records for saves in both a season and a career, and is second on the Pacific-10’s list of all-time career saves leaders.

More than 35 players were considered for the award. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 7, two days prior to the beginning of NCAA Super Regional action. The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation's top player. It also selects a Division I All-America Team, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division III Players of the Year.