South-Carolina
What this weekend’s series against South Carolina means for Auburn baseball
With expectations now higher than any other point during the 2025 season, Auburn baseball’s final home series could have major postseason implications.
The Tigers are set to play South Carolina, a team underperforming under legendary, but first-year head coach Paul Mainieri. The Gamecocks are second to last in the Southeastern Conference, currently sitting 5-19 in SEC play. Their two most recent losses came by a combined score of 31-3 against Florida.
South Carolina ranks 62nd in the RPI, making it a Quad IV series for Auburn, since the games are at home. That means losses would likely hurt the Tigers more than wins would help them.
Auburn comes into the series off the back of an impressive series win at Tennessee. The Tigers beat the Vols in games one and three, winning both games by five or more runs.
“We competed like we won all three, if I can keep them away from the result,” head coach Butch Thompson said after the series in a release. “What we’ve been through, it just seems like every challenge that can come our way, we’ve had it and have always just said ‘good’. If we just continue to keep our head down, we can gain something from two really well played games.”
With Auburn hovering right around the cut off line for a national seed in most projections, sweeping South Carolina — or at least winning the series — is important to keep its spot.
Auburn currently ranks fourth in the RPI, a metric powered in part by the Tigers’ No. 2 strength of schedule ranking. If Auburn takes care of business versus South Carolina, next weekend’s series against Ole Miss would all but solidify a national seed for the Tigers, if they don’t already do so this weekend.
It’s also an important series for seeding in the SEC Tournament, which is now just two weeks away. The top four seeds in the tournament get a double bye, something that’s more important than ever with the tournament shifting to a single-elimination format.
Auburn is two games out of the No. 4 spot at the moment, and a series with a relatively weak South Carolina team could be the best chance left to make up some ground on LSU and Georgia.
The importance of the SEC Tournament may be minimal in terms of NCAA Tournament placement, especially for a team in Auburn’s position. It’s hard to quantify the importance of having your name on that trophy, though, and a double bye puts that goal further within reach.
Auburn vs. South Carolina series info
Records
Auburn: 33-15 (13-11 SEC)
South Carolina: 26-23 (5-19 SEC)
Times/TV channels
Game 1: Thursday, 6 p.m., ESPN2
Game 2: Friday, 6 p.m., SEC Network+
Game 3: Saturday, 2:30 p.m., SEC Network
Starting pitchers
Game 1
Auburn: Cam Tilly (RHP) 2-1, 4.78 ERA, 32.0 IP, 20 BB, 41 SO
South Carolina: Brandon Stone (RHP) 2-5, 5.09 ERA, 53.0 IP, 11 BB, 39 SO
Game 2
Auburn: Sam Dutton (RHP) 6-2, 2.37 ERA, 68.1 IP, 13 BB, 81 SO
South Carolina: Jake McCoy (LHP) 4-4, 6.18 ERA, 51.0 IP, 31 BB, 69 SO
Game 3
Auburn: Christian Chatterton (RHP) 4-1, 3.69 ERA, 46.1 IP, 17 BB, 53 SO
South Carolina: TBD
Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Dec. 21, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 21, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 7-2-5, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 3-7-0-4, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
08-15-23-27-33
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
Former Pa. high school football star, record-setting college QB dies at 52
Former Altoona Area High School multi-sport star Steve Taneyhill died this past week after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
Taneyhill went on to attend the University of South Carolina and played quarterback for the Gamecocks following his impressive high school career.
South Carolina announced Taneyhill’s death Monday morning.
“Gamecock Nation mourns the loss of Steve Taneyhill, a pillar of Gamecock history,” South Carolina posted on X. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Steve.”
Taneyhill played for the Gamecocks from 1992-95, setting numerous school records during that time.
He finished his college career with 8,782 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
Steve Taneyhill was named the Freshman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1992.
In 1994, he led South Carolina to its first bowl win in program history as the Gamecocks beat West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl.
Taneyhill led South Carolina in passing all four of his college football seasons. He finished his college career with eight 300-yard passing games, including six during his senior year.
Following his playing career, Taneyhill was a successful high school football coach at both Chesterfield High School and Union High School in South Carolina.
Gamecocks fans took to X and shared memories of Taneyhill following his death.
“Gamecock Football wasn’t cool when they entered the SEC. But, Steve Taneyhill made it ok to feel like they belonged,” one fan said. “He was a great, honest guy. Thank you, Steve. Thanks so much, man.”
Former South Carolina assistant coach Justin Stepp added: “Absolutely loved Steve Taneyhill! Was an incredible player and even better person! Praying for his family & those that were close with him!”
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 20, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 3-9-7, FB: 7
Evening: 5-9-6, FB: 9
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 4-8-4-2, FB: 7
Evening: 6-7-5-5, FB: 9
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
05-08-11-17-26
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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