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In addition to leading the Pac-10, Kevin Gunderson's 13 saves this season are also an OSU single-season record. He is also OSU's career saves leader, a title he took from friend Jared Sanders earlier this year. Gunderson's success in the close [Click to enlarge]

Size is everything when it comes to some sports.

Basketball players need to be tall, while football players need to pack muscle.

However, there are exceptions when it comes to baseball.

Consider the case of Oregon State's 5-foot-10, 160 pound closer Kevin Gunderson.

While his size may not be intimidating, Gunderson's work ethic and attitude has made him one of the most feared closers in the Pac-10.

As one of the more sought after pitching prospects in Oregon coming out of Central Catholic, Gunderson had many offers from various schools.

But, like many of his native Oregonian teammates, Gunderson chose to stay in state.

"The coaches really pursued me hard," Gunderson said. "I played with some of the guys here during summer ball and we talked about doing some damage."

And in his two years at OSU, it hasn't taken long for Gunderson to send Pac-10 batters back to the dugout.

As a freshman last season, Gunderson posted a 6-2 mark with three saves.

This season, Gunderson has risen to another level.

Along with posting a 5-2 record, Gunderson has saved 13 games with a 2.78 earned run average. His 13 saves rank first in the Pac-10.

Gunderson also passed Jared Sanders as the all time saves leader and single season saves leader at OSU.

"It's exciting," Gunderson said. "It's kind of funny that I took it from my good friend Jared Sanders. We hung out a lot, so it's kind have special to take it away from him.

"It's fun, but I don't really worry about records and trying to break everything. I just go out and try and help the team win."

Gunderson has been all about helping the team since he joined the club last season.

After being a dominant starter in high school and recording 12 wins his senior year, Gunderson was asked to make the switch to the bullpen.

While the transition was different at first, Gunderson has made the switch as smooth as possible.

"Not sophomore year, but freshman year," Gunderson said. "Coming in, I didn't know if I was going to start or come out of the bullpen. As I started to do it more and more, I got used to it."

For Gunderson, it was a matter of being mentally prepared for the role.

"You got to be ready," Gunderson said. "They're going to throw you in the fire by asking you to hold down the game. It's your job coming out of the bullpen to come in and hold the lead to keep the game where it is.

"Now I'm used to it, so I don't care if I start because I get innings out of the bullpen. I help the team win, and that's most important."

Even with his success out of the bullpen, Gunderson would love the opportunity to start again.

"Coming out of the bullpen is fun and there's a lot of pressure," Gunderson said. "Not many guys can come in and get the job done. It's tough to come back day after day and get the job done."

Another adjustment Gunderson had to make was continuing to distance himself from OSU football player Ryan Gunderson.

Both athletes went to Central Catholic and are often confused for one another.

"I get asked a lot," Gunderson said. "When we were in high school, it was ridiculous. We used to go to restaurants and people would ask and they'd get us confused. It's funny."

It's moments like these that have left Gunderson labeled as a bit of a jokester by his teammates.

"He's got a lot of energy and keeps a lot of guys loose in the dugout," said Cole Gillespie. "He's kind of a little jokester. He's fun to be around and I'm just glad he's on my team."

Regardless of his size and stature, Gunderson's determined approach to get the opposition out was one of the main reasons he was recruited.

"His ability to get people out. Size doesn't matter to me," said OSU manager Pat Casey. "He's a guy who was getting people out every time I went to the ballfield.

"There's nothing about him on the field that you don't like. He's just a bulldog on the field. We're really excited he came here and doing some things we thought he could."

While he may not look like a typical closer in the Eric Gagne or Trevor Hoffman mold, Gunderson has never let his size get to him.

"I am not intimidated by anyone," Gunderson said.

Gunderson attributes much of his mental preparedness to his uncle Eric, who pitched in the major leagues for the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.

"My brother and I used to go in the summer for three weeks at a time and spend time with him when he pitched for the Rangers," Gunderson said. "We talked to numerous pitching coaches and my uncle has been a tremendous help to me. He's helped me a lot with the neutral game, which is important."

Gunderson's impact this season for the Beavers goes to show size doesn't determine everything.

That's the way Gunderson looks at it.

"I don't let it affect me," Gunderson said.

"People say, can't play, can't do this, can't do that. If you go out and prove it, you can do anything you put your mind to."

Steven Masters, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com, 737-6378

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