Today's UIL Class 5A state semifinals

Arlington Martin

vs. Houston Cypress Ranch

noon, Dell Diamond,

Round Rock

Records: Martin 36-5-1, Cypress Ranch 30-8

Notable: Martin and Cypress Ranch did not play a common opponent in the regular season, leaving each a mystery to the other. ... Martin has displayed a balanced offense throughout its playoff run, outscoring opponents 80-28 in 13 games. But the Warriors have struggled in the losses, scoring fewer than two runs in each. ... Martin defeated Southlake Carroll in the Region I final series in three games, 7-3, 0-2, 5-2. ... Cypress Ranch is playing strong defense and didn't lose a game through the Region III bracket. ... The Mustangs, who are in their second year of varsity competition, defeated Fort Bend Kempner 10-0 and 5-3 in the regional final series.

Corpus Christi Carroll vs. College Station A&M Consolidated

3 p.m., Dell Diamond,

Round Rock

Records: Carroll 32-4,

A&M Consolidated 28-11

Notable: Carroll OF/RHP Courtney Hawkins was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox last week, going 13th overall. Hawkins is batting .437 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs, and he's 5-2 with a 0.96 ERA. ... The Carroll Tigers are making their third straight trip to state, winning it all in 2010. ... A&M Consolidated, also the Tigers, made the state tournament for the second time in school history and the first since 1990. ... While A&M Consolidated didn't win its district, the Tigers did get revenge against 12-5A champion Bryan by sweeping the Vikings in the regional finals, 3-1, 5-2.

-- Brent Shirley

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