SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - With both teams tuning up their pitchers and trying out a variety of combinations in the field and batting lineup, the visiting Findlay Oilers claimed a 9-2 victory over Wittenberg in non-conference action Wednesday.

The Tigers dropped to 18-14 overall on the 2006 season heading into this weekend's crucial four-game series with North Coast Athletic Conference West Division rival Earlham. Wittenberg is in a near must-win situation as the Tigers battle Wabash and Denison, which play one another on the Little Giants' home field over the weekend, for the second and final berth in the annual NCAC Tournament. Findlay improved to 24-16.

After the Tigers scored an unearned run in the first inning on an RBI groundout by senior designated hitter Brian Hampp, the Oilers touched Wittenberg junior starter Trey Richardson for a pair of runs in his second and final inning of work. Findlay added two runs in the fourth, three in the sixth and single runs in the seventh and eighth, while the Tigers, facing nine different Oiler pitchers in the nine innings, managed only an RBI single by Hampp in the sixth.

Hampp, who leads Wittenberg with 29 runs batted in this season, finished the night 1-for-4 with the two RBI. Junior first baseman Andrew Wellman added a pair of hits in three plate appearances, while the Tigers' runs were scored by senior shortstop K.R. Schlievert and sophomore outfielder Jon Fox.

Richardson, who was followed to the mound by five Wittenberg pitchers, picked up the loss. Each of Findlay's pitchers worked on inning, and Nate Tyahur picked up the win with a scoreless second inning.