David Pierce explains why Texas had four Longhorns in the outfield against Oklahoma State

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

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

Against Oklahoma State slugger Nolan Schubart, the Longhorns used a dramatic defensive shift that sent Powell from third base to left field, giving Texas a fourth outfielder. Texas has used a defensive shift before, but that's usually been moving Powell around the infield.

Texas coach David Pierce said he had never played four outfielders before. The idea of putting Powell into the outfield and going without a third baseman against Schubart, who swings from the left side of the plate, was broached by UT hitting and pitching development coordinator Chris Gordon.

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"With Schubart, he hits it through people anyhow. He doesn't really hit a lot of ground balls and I just liked our odds a little bit better," Pierce said. "He could drive a ball in the gap, we've got a chance to catch it. If he does end up back-siding a ground ball or something, he's not a big runner and so we'll just take our chances."

Powell remained at third when Schubart batted again in the fifth, with the bases loaded, but he ran out to left field for Schubart's other three plate appearances. Powell didn't get any action in left field, though. Schubart struck out, drew a walk and doubled to right field when facing UT's shift.

"(Powell is) always making jokes about my outfield, so it's funny to see him out there," UT right fielder Max Belyeu said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Longhorns use unique defensive shift against Oklahoma State