With Montclair State facing elimination, the left-hander struck out six in a complete-game effort as the Red Hawks beat Salisbury State 1-0 in a pitching duel at the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship.

The defending champion Red Hawks improved to 38-10.

Salisbury State (33-13), which got six strikeouts in a complete-game effort from junior Matt Roath, was eliminated from its first championship finals appearance.

It was the second time in the tournament that the Sea Gulls lost a 1-0 decision.

For Montclair State, the key was Gogal's pitching, as well as Jeff Schriber's timely hit in the seventh inning.

"From when we started the season, right through today, he's probably been the most consistent pitcher on our staff, and he's only a freshman," Red Hawks coach Norm Schoenig said.

"His demeanor and poise are that of a fifth-year senior."

Of the seven Salisbury State (33-13) runners who reached first base through the first six innings, two were retired on double plays, two were caught stealing when Gogal picked them off first and the remaining three were stranded.

The Red Hawks didn't commit any errors and finished with three double plays, including one to end the game.

Salisbury State, on the other hand, had one double play, committed two errors and stranded five.

Gogal (7-1) didn't allow a runner to reach second until the seventh, but he promptly struck out the next batter, then induced an inning-ending flyout.

"As the game went on, I felt stronger and stronger," Gogal said. "I felt like I was in a groove.

"I had a thought in the back of my head that we were going to win this game, no matter what."

His premonition proved correct, as the Red Hawks finally scored in the bottom of the seventh.

Following Scott Allan's leadoff walk, Chris Baran reached first on a fielder's choice. He then stole second, becoming the first Red Hawk to advance that far all game.

The next batter, Schriber, hit a hard chopper that bounced high over third baseman Mike Harbaugh, who leaped to stop it but saw it glance off the top of his glove. Left-fielder Jason Ewing sprinted in to pick it up, but he one-hopped the throw, and the relay was late as Baran slide home safely.

"Gogal was throwing a gem of a game, so we needed to score some runs to help him along," Schriber said.

Gogal scattered seven hits and walked three for his first victory since April 21.

In an equally strong performance, Roath (1-2) kept the Red Hawks off-balance for much of the game, allowing only three hits while striking out six.

"I have a problem concentrating," Roath said. "But I didn't have that problem today. That's usually the only thing that holds me back, I feel. The inning they scored, I think that was pretty much what happened - I lost my concentration."

Still, Schoenig couldn't say enough about his own pitcher.

"(Gogal) is as good as anybody we've had, especially as a freshman," Schoenig said. "He's got a ways to go to continue to improve that, but I'm sure he will.

"I just expect Jeff to be an outstanding pitcher as he moves along in his career."

For the second straight year, Montclair State is playing on the tournament's final day. But it isn't satisfied yet.

"It feels good, but we still have a couple more games to play," Schriber said. "Hopefully after tomorrow we'll feel even better."