By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington had its streak of draftees run to eight consecutive years after centerfielder Matt McLean heard his name called by the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

McLean, a senior from Plano, Texas, hit .307 after starting in all of the Mavericks' 58 games in 2016. McLean knocked 19 extra-base hits in 2016, crossed the plate 54 times and provided 22 RBI.

"I am extremely happy for Matt," UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas said. "I think he was a top-notch leadoff hitter at the Division I level. He was everything you want at the top of the order when making out your lineup. He showed the ability to play left and center as well. The best days are ahead of him."

Playing two years at UTA, McLean was second on the team in 2015 with a .337 batting average after playing in 51 of 55 games. He recorded a .448 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .374. The centerfielder conduced the campaign with a 15-game reaching safely streak, while notching at least a hit in 10 consecutive games to close the year.

He was a first-team All-Conference selection in his freshman season at Grayson Junior College, hitting .375 at the plate. He followed up a stellar opening with a second-team nod in his sophomore season, hitting a career-best .400 with 81 hits and 22 stolen bases, all while leading the nation in walks at 56.

McLean's selection is the 60th overall player drafted since the program's conception in 1969 and is the 20th under the direction of coach Thomas.

The pick gives UTA draft picks in 18 of the last 19 drafts and ran the total to 60 overall players selected all-time.