(April 28, 2008 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- Senior pitcher Justin Gauthier (Sr. - Muskegon, Mich.) had a stellar week when he finished with two wins in two appearances helping the Concordia baseball team clinch their third ever playoff spot (third in four seasons) with victories over Aquinas College and Madonna University. For his efforts, Gauthier was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week, his second selection this season.

Gauthier came in relief on Wednesday as the Cardinals rallied for an 11-8 win over the Saints of Aquinas College, a win that officially clinched Concordia's spot in the postseason. The right-hander threw 1.1 innings without allowing a run in the victory.

Two days later, Gauthier took to the bump in a start against Madonna and threw a complete game in the Cards win over #25 Madonna.

For the week, Gauthier threw 8.1 innings, allowing 10 hits and four runs (one earned) with three strikeouts and a trio of walks. His earned run average for the week was 1.08.

The two wins moves him to a 7-1 record on the season, smashing the previous high total for victories by a Cardinal hurler, which was four entering this year. Gauthier also has a pair of saves this year, which gives him seven in his career, also a Concordia record.

Concordia (27-20) will play the opening game on Thursday in the WHAC playoffs against Indiana Tech. The Cardinals finished the regular season with a school record for wins, while also setting a school record for conference wins (11) and clinching their first winning season in 18 years. Game time for the opening round game is 10:00 a.m. at Madonna University.