FLAGSTAFF - Douglas’ 11-12 year old All-Stars kicked off their state tournament with a bang Thursday beating the Mesa South All-Stars 6-2 in the first round of the state Little League Majors tournament.

Another unexpected hero stepped up for Douglas. Michael Arzate had been making some outstanding plays defensively for Douglas one of which was a homerun denying catch against Nogales in the District 8 championship game.

On Thursday Arzate stepped up with his bat hitting his first home run of the All-Star season which scored CJ Estrella and Kirt Cormier giving Douglas a quick 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first inning.

Tyler Arvayo’s run in the second increased Douglas’ lead to 4-0.

Mesa scored both of its runs in the top of the third cutting Douglas’ lead to 4-2.

Nick Ortega scored on Robbie Romero’s hit in the fourth increasing Douglas’ lead to 5-2.

Douglas tacked on another run in the fifth taking its 6-2 lead.

David Hurtado was the winning pitcher going four innings giving up two runs off two hits while fanning seven and walking four. Hurtado left the game after reaching his pitch limit.

Bryan Lomeli threw two innings in relief picking up the save. Lomeli would give up no runs off one hit while fanning three and walking one.

Estrella, Cormier and Ortega each hit 2 for 3 for Douglas. Arzate, Romero, Hurtado and Victor Campoy each were 1 for 2. Chris Cruz was 1 for 1.

Douglas’ All-Star manager Gus Hurtado said his team was very relaxed, focused and ready to play Thursday.

“These guys were ready to play,” he said.

Hurtado said Mesa was undefeated going into the game having won their district tournament.

The 11-12 year old All-Stars are back in action today taking on Bullhead City in a 4 p.m. game.

The 13-14 Douglas All-Stars will play Rio Vista from Phoenix tonight at 7:30 p.m. in second round pool play action.