WHEELERSBURG — Derek Moore went the distance for Wheelersburg and struck out seven batters as the Pirates defeated Valley 6-1 in boys baseball action at Wheelersburg on Wednesday.

Moore, a sophomore, allowed five Valley hits — with three of those hits coming in the seventh inning.

“I thought Derek was outstanding tonight, especially since this was only his second varsity start,” Wheelersburg Coach Michael Estep said. “He had great command of the strike zone and kept Valley off balance all day.”

The win puts Wheelersburg in control in the SOC II race at 2-0, and 5-0 overall.

Valley (5-1, 1-1) got on the board first after Ryan Wamsley belted a fast ball over the fence for a home run in the top of the second inning to give the Indians a 1-0 lead.

The Pirates responded in the bottom of the third when Alex Sheers connected for a double and scored Austin Hall and Dakota Luster.

“We just had to relax,” Estep said. “I think after that double, we were able to do that.”

Moore also settled in and allowed only one hit throughout the next four innings, while the Pirates continued to add runs.

Jared Timberlake kept the Pirates’ offense going as he blasted a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Later in the inning, Braxton Jarvis scored on a fielder’s choice.

Wheelersburg tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth when Austin Boyer scored on an RBI single by Moore, Moore then scored on an RBI single by Hall.

“Valley is a great ball club,” Estep said. “They are a veteran club and we are fortunate to have played well today.”

Valley — 010 000 0 1 5 1

Wheelersburg — 002 22 0 x 8 11 0

Valley — Wamsley 2-3 (HR), Holcomb 1-3, Crabtree 1-3.

Wheelersburg — Hood 2-3, Hall 1-2 (RBI), Parsley 2-2, Sheers 2-3 (2RBI), Boyer 2-3, Timberlake 1-2 (HR), Moore 2-3.

WP — Moore

LP — Holcomb