Appleton, WI - Montclair coach Norm Schoenig had a dilemma on his hands last night.

It wasn't enough that his team was facing a win-or-go-home situation at the NCAA Division 3 World Series. With his top pitchers used up, Schoenig had to decide if he would start junior JIM WHALEN on the mound or go with senior GEORGE GALLAGHER.

Schoenig played a hunch and gave the ball to Gallagher, who last started on May 2.

The hunch turned out to be a good move as Montclair State scored a 7-2 victory over Wartburg of Iowa. Gallagher surrendered two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three in 6 1/3 innings. He improved to 6-2.

Not bad for a guy who normally serves as the team's designated hitter and cleanup batter.

"I was excited to about getting the chance to pitch," Gallagher said. "I knew I had the capability. I just needed the chance. My curveball has been erratic lately, but I had control today. I knew I just had to hit spots and use the defense, not try to blow people away. My two-seam fastball was dropping, so they hit it into the ground and the defense did an amazing job, like they have all year."

Schoenig said he was never worried.

"He's a tough kid and he's a competitor," he said. "He just has this toughness about him and when you have that, it's a good bet to go with."

With the victory, Montclair State (39-7-1) advances to face an opponent yet to be determined. Due to a rainout on Saturday, Montclair has to wait until the 12 p.m. matchup today between Allegheny and St. Thomas of Minnesota, the tournament's two undefeated teams, to find out when it will play.

If Allegheny beats St. Thomas, Montclair will play at 8 p.m.. If Allegheny loses, Montclair will play at 4:30.

"I've never been in a situation like that before," Schoenig said. "You have to be ready to play at 3:30 pm (CST), taking batting practice and all. If Allegheny wins, then you come back and play at 7 (CST). But if Allegheny loses that first game, then they have to play us right away.. I like that idea."

Gallagher induced Wartburg (41-9) into 12 groundouts, relying on sparkling defense.

"The key to the whole game was Gallagher," Schoenig said. "He was able to establish himself on the mound early and found temp right from the start. Then he put the ball in play and we have a very good defensive team that can make the plays. I really hoping George would give us some longevity into the game and he did that."