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The Texas Longhorns utilize a unique defensive switch against Oklahoma State

Texas senior Peyton Powell is listed as a utility player on the roster. He has started 46 games at third base this season, appeared at first base last year and filled in at catcher in two games against Washington in March.

And while the box score from Saturday's 6-3 win over Oklahoma State doesn't officially reflect it, Powell can now also say he played in the outfield.

Against Oklahoma State slugger Nolan Schubart, the Longhorns used a dramatic defensive switch that sent Powell from third base to left field and gave Texas a fourth outfielder. Texas has used a defensive switch before, but when it did, Powell typically moved around the infield.

Texas coach David Pierce said he had never played against four outfielders before. The idea of ​​sending Powell to the outfield and forgoing a third baseman for Schubart, who swings from the left side of the plate, was raised by Chris Gordon, UT's hitting and pitching development coordinator.

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“With Schubart, he beats it through people anyway. He doesn’t really hit a lot of ground balls and I just liked our chances a little bit better,” Pierce said. “He could hit a ball into the gap, we have a chance to catch it. If he ends up putting a ball behind on the ground or something like that, he’s not much of a runner and so we’ll just take our chances.”

Powell remained at third when Schubart struck out again in the fifth with the bases loaded, but ran to left field for Schubart's other three plate appearances. However, Powell was not used in left field. Schubart struck out, drew a walk and doubled to right field when facing UT's changeup.

“(Powell) always jokes about my outfield, so it’s funny to see him out there,” UT right fielder Max Belyeu said.

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