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Matt Miller's quick thinking preserved a win for the Huskies today as NU capped off its home slate and Senior Day with a 4-1 win over Old Dominion. With two outs in the top of the eighth and the bases loaded, ODU's Josh Wright smashed a line drive down the left field line that apparently scored all three runs, tying the score at 4-4. But the heads-up Miller noticed that Wright never touched first base, collected the ball before the play ended and touched first for the force out to end the inning.

It was a wild ending to an otherwise routine, fundamental game. Andrew Leenhouts was as scintillating as he's been all year, picking up the win after going seven innings with 12 strikeouts and allowing just one run on four hits. Chris Carmain threw two innings of relief, allowing no runs (thanks to Miller) on two hits while striking out three and snagging his second save of the season.

Miller was as productive with his bat and glove as he was with his head, going 1-for-2 with a run scored and a two-RBI double. He also made a handful of fine defensive plays at first base.

John Puttress continued his production, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and a double. Pete Castoldi and Brendan Stokes each logged a hit and a run, while Tony DiCesare earned a single and an RBI.

Seniors David Gustafson and Frank Compagnone joined Stokes and DiCesare in celebrating Senior Day, logging a single each.

Old Dominion came out scoring in the first inning, earning its only run of the day. Leenhouts struck out the first two batters he faced, but back-to-back doubles from Jake McAloose and Chris Baker plated a run, putting ODU up 1-0.

But the Huskies scored two runs in the second inning to take the lead for good, thanks to some patience at the plate. Puttress legged out an infield single for the only hit of the inning as NU drew three walks and a hit-by-pitch to get the runs home. Logan Gillis drew the bases loaded walk, and Miller followed him by getting drilled on the first pitch he saw.

Leenhouts took the lead and went to work, allowing just two hits over the next five innings. Three of his seven innings on the day were over in the minimum three batters, including the second inning when he set all his opponents down on strikes.

Carmain threw a perfect ninth as well. The two combined for 15 strikeouts on the day, striking out all but one Old Dominion player at least once (Chris Buss, who went 0-for-3, avoided the K).

NU added a run in the fourth in a textbook inning. Castoldi singled to lead off, and moved to second on Gillis' sacrifice bunt. The next batter, Miller, drove the ball to the gap in right-center, easily scoring Castoldi and putting NU up 3-1.

The Huskies also scored in the seventh. Miller drew a walk, and moved to third on Gustafson's bunt single. Gustafson took the defense by surprise, laying down a bunt with one strike and legging out the throw. Miller was running with the pitch, rounded second, and trotted safely into third base as the first baseman bobbled the transfer. DiCesare muscled a pitch to right field for a single, scoring Miller and getting NU up 4-1, the final margin.

The win was a great way to wrap up the home games of 2010. Before the game, NU honored its seniors in a short ceremony with the coaches and the players' families.

The Huskies head on the road for eight games straight, starting with a game at Maine on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Links to live stats will be available.