During the middle of the season, Arlington Martin rolled out 15 straight wins, mostly in district play.

The Warriors lost just twice in the regular season and tallied five losses total including postseason play.

It’s easy to see Martin is a hot team representing the Metroplex in the 5A baseball state tournament this weekend.

However, the Warriors’ semifinal opponent has proven what peaking at the right time can do.

Houston Cypress Ranch blew through the talented Houston area in the postseason without taking a single loss.

In Martin’s favor the entire season has been its depth in pitching, with a staff that has recorded 36 wins.

Mix that with an offense that scored at least five runs in every postseason win for an intimidating combination.

Martin hopes to bring back the first 5A state championship to North Texas since Plano West’s title in 2008.

Defending the Metroplex is a challenge Martin coach Curt Culbertson accepted before the playoffs began.

“All these guys around here believe some of the best baseball is here in North Texas. Once we get [deep in the playoffs], we’ll deal with that out there,” Culbertson said.

Martin will have its chance to settle the Houston-DFW rivalry for 2012 at noon Friday at Round Rock’s Dell Diamond.