Former Hallsville player drafted by Texas Rangers

HALLSVILLE, TEXAS (KLTV) - A former Hallsville Bobcat has been drafted by the Texas Rangers organization.

Justin Slaten was drafted during Day 2 of the 2019 Draft. The 6 foot 4 inch-tall player was selected as the the 86th overall pick.

With the 86th pick of the 2019 #MLBDraft, the @Rangers select @UNMLoboBaseball RHP Justin Slaten: https://t.co/OHooNdL3XW pic.twitter.com/uVsbpD9Ycs
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 4, 2019

As a right-handed pitcher for University of New Mexico Lobos, Slaten recorded 62 strikeouts during his sophomore year - the second most on the team, according to the team website.

Slaten also led the Bobcats to a Class 5A regional quarterfinal appearance during his high school athletic career, as well as a regional semifinal appearance in 2015 and a state tournament appearance in 2014.

Big time congrats to Justin Slaten (@JSlaten32) for being drafted by the Texas Rangers! He goes in the 3rd round and is pick number 86 overall! He is the highest Lobo drafted since Luis Gonzalez went in round 3 in the 2017 draft! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/7Jc1phOsvo
— UNM Baseball (@UNMLoboBaseball) June 4, 2019