Auburn baseball sweeps South Carolina, swipes another SEC series victory: How it happened
Adam ColeAUBURN — The final SEC home stand of Auburn baseball’s 2025 season took the eighth-ranked Tigers from a run of ranked weekend opponents to facing a struggling program.
South Carolina came to Plainsman Park with just five wins in SEC play, and the series results were as expected, with Auburn sweeping the Gamecocks for its seventh SEC series victory of the year.
Game One lasted just seven innings, and it looked less like an SEC matchup and more like a midweek blowout, as Auburn (36-15, 16-11 SEC) pummeled the Gamecocks for a 24-2 victory on Thursday. In a Friday doubleheader, the Tigers again took care of business.
Third baseman Eric Guevara won Game Two, walking off an 11-10 result with an RBI bunt single. Game Three had far less back and forth, as the Tigers worked themselves into a three-run lead thanks to a Cooper McMurray home run, eventually pulling away for an 11-3 result.
In all, the Tigers blasted South Carolina’s (26-26, 5-21) dismal pitching staff for 51 hits and 46 runs. They also registered 11 home runs and 10 extra-base hits, with Guevara totaling a team-best 12 hits in 15 at-bats. That was good for a four-hit performance in each game.
Here’s a full look at how Auburn got its second SEC sweep of the season.
Auburn baseball vs. South Carolina: Live score updates from Plainsman Park
FINAL | No. 8 Auburn baseball 11, South Carolina 3
What a weekend for Auburn. The Tigers came home after a slew series against ranked foes and handled a struggling South Carolina accordingly, capping a series sweep with the finale's 11-3 result.
It was a shaky start for Christian Chatterton, who logged just two innings before Auburn turned it over to Griffin Graves. But Graves matched a career best with an outing of 3⅓ innings, giving up just two hits and no runs. Dylan Watts closed out the final 3⅔, also holding the Gamecocks scoreless.
But it was again the offense that shined. Auburn's third double-digit run output of the weekend came on 18 hits. Eric Guevara had his third four-hit game of the weekend, and Lucas Steele joined him with a four-hit effort of his own.
Auburn baseball's Lucas Steele up to six hits in Friday doubleheader vs. South Carolina
Bottom Eighth (Game Three): Auburn's flirting with a second run-rule win here in the eighth, with Lucas Steele plating another runner on an RBI single. That was also his sixth hit of today's doubleheader, and his fourth hit of the finale.
He's up to seven hits against the Gamecocks, and Auburn's lead is up to eight runs, at 11-3.
Eric Guevara has three four-hit days in Auburn baseball's series vs. South Carolina
Bottom Eighth (Game Three): What Eric Guevara has done this weekend is nothing short of incredible, now posting four hits in each of Auburn's games against South Carolina.
He just doubled into the right-center gap, driving in Chris Rembert from second. Ike Irish followed him up with an RBI single, giving the Tigers a pair of runs in the frame.
It's 10-3, Auburn.
Auburn baseball's Lucas Steele second home run of finale, fourth of series
Bottom Seventh (Game Three): It's been a good weekend for Lucas Steele, who just went yard for the first time in the series finale and third home runs in the series. As a team, Auburn's up to 11 home runs against the Gamecocks.
It's 8-3, Auburn.
Auburn baseball finds insurance for second-straight inning
Thru Six (Game Three): The Tigers had a real chance to break this game open, with Ike Irish stepping into a bases-loaded situation and no outs.
The results weren't as promising, as Irish grounded into a double play. But he still plated a run from this, adding to what was a three-run lead.
It's 7-3, Auburn.
Auburn baseball's Griffin Graves logs optimal outing vs. South Carolina
Top Sixth (Game Three): Griffin Graves' day is done after 3⅓ innings, and he gave the Tigers exactly what they needed, which included 1-2-3 frames in the third and sixth.
Graves didn't give up a run, and South Carolina tacked him for just two hits. He struck out four batters, and he didn't register a free baserunner, either, issuing no walks or hit-by-pitches.
It's right-hander Dylan Watts (2-1, 7.40 ERA) on now, with Auburn still leading 6-3.
Cooper McMurray puts Auburn baseball back on top
Bottom Fifth (Game Three): Cooper McMurray had just one hit heading into Friday's finale against South Carolina; a 3-RBI homer run in the series-opening beatdown. He just got his second hit of the weekend, going yard for another 3-run shot, putting him at 12 homers on the season and 40 for his Auburn career.
It puts Auburn in the lead, 6-3.
Auburn baseball, South Carolina tied back up
Bottom Fifth (Game Three): We have some life on the scoreboard for the first time in three innings, as Auburn second baseman Chris Rembert scored on a passed ball to make this a tie game.
Rembert reached base on a leadoff walk, Auburn's first of the contest, before making it to third on a single for Eric Guevara in the next at-bat. Currently, Ike Irish is standing in with a runner on and no outs.
It's tied, 3-3.
Auburn baseball heading to the bullpen early
Thru Two (Game Three): After Auburn trimmed South Carolina's lead in the second, the Tigers are moving on from finale starter Christian Chatterton, who was tacked for the Gamecocks' three runs on four hits.
It'll be left-hander Griffin Graves (3-1, 5.40 ERA) on for the third. South Carolina still leads 3-2.
Auburn baseball cuts into South Carolina's lead with another home run
Bottom Second (Game Three): Freshman Bub Terrell's first at-bat of Game Three sees him leave the yard, driving in a pair after Lucas Steele led off the frame with a double. That was Terrell's fifth home run of the year, and it's the team's ninth home run of the weekend.
There's still no outs, as the Tigers now trail by one run. It's 3-2, South Carolina.
South Carolina pads lead over Auburn baseball
Mid-Second (Game Three): The Gamecocks have posted crooked numbers in back-to-back frames, with left fielder Evan Stone taking Auburn starter Christian Chatterton yard for another two runs in the second.
It's 3-0, South Carolina.
South Carolina strikes first in series finale vs. Auburn baseball
Mid-First (Game Three): The Gamecocks are the first team to strike in the series finale, plating a run thanks to a two-out RBI double from designated hitter Jase Woita.
It's 1-0, South Carolina.
FINAL | No. 8 Auburn baseball 11, South Carolina 10
Eric Guevara had another big day in Game Two against South Carolina, and he capped it with his fourth hit of the contest: A game-winning RBI bunt single, plating freshman Bub Terrell from third.
It was far less convincing than what the Tigers did in the series opener, but with the Game Two victory, they've now won their seventh SEC series of the season.
Auburn (35-14, 15-11 SEC) was out-hit and out-pitched in Friday's first contest, but the responses were key. As well as their go-ahead inning in the ninth, they also logged a three-run frame after South Carolina took its only lead in the sixth. Guevara led the team in hits, posting his second four-hit performance of the weekend, and Chris Rembert (3), Ike Irish (2) and Lucas Steele (2) each had multi-hit days.
Starting pitcher Sam Dutton looked as unconvincing as he has all season, going just four innings official and getting tacked for five runs on seven hits. Auburn's bullpen also got dinged up, allowing five runs and nine hits. Carson Myers was the only reliever to not give up a run.
Game Three is slated to start at 5:10 p.m. CT.
Auburn baseball, South Carolina are tied back up
Top Ninth (Game Two): South Carolina's done it. After giving up its one-run lead in the sixth, they've tied it back up with Auburn on a one-out sac fly in the ninth.
Pinch-hitter Kennedy Jones steps in with runners at the corner and two outs, and the score at 10-10.
South Carolina once again trims Auburn baseball's lead
Mid-Eighth (Game Two): Auburn turned it over to its most-trusted relief arm, Ryan Hetlzer, for the eighth, and he cruised early. He began the frame with a flyout and strikeout, but Henry Kaczmar was able to take him deep into an at-bat before taking the last pitch he saw deep.
It was a solo shot, but cut trimmed Auburn's two-run advantage in half.
It's 10-9, Auburn.
Lucas Steele rips go-ahead home run for Auburn baseball
Bottom Sixth (Game Two): Lucas Steele's sixth home run of the season may have been his most vital. After Cooper McMurray posted a game-tying sac fly, he followed up with a two-run homer, going yard to straightaway center in a two-strike count.
That's big for the Tigers, who now lead by two after squandering a previous five-run advantage.
It's 10-8, Auburn.
Auburn baseball's Cooper McMurray brings in game-tying run
Bottom Sixth (Game Two): Auburn's gotten what it has needed to start this frame. Eric Guevara doubled off the wall in left to lead off, then Ike Irish reached on a hit-by-pitch, with Guevara moving to third amid the at-bat.
Cooper McMurray was able to log a productive first out to following, hitting a sac fly to deep left and driving in Guevara.
It's tied, 8-8.
South Carolina goes yard, takes lead over Auburn baseball
Top Sixth (Game Two): A day really can make a difference, at least in baseball.
After losing to Auburn by 22 runs yesterday, South Carolina just retook the lead from the Tigers in Game Two, thanks to a three-run homer from third baseman KJ Scobey. That's the Gamecocks' second homer of the day and their 11th hit in total.
It's 8-7, South Carolina.
Auburn baseball's Ike Irish saves a big run after Sam Dutton's departure
Mid-Fifth (Game Two): Auburn got one of the more exciting double plays in college baseball, with Ike Irish throwing out a runner who tagged on a fly ball to left field. It was his 10th assist of the season, and it saved a vital run, as John Armstrong was able to log an inning-ending strikeout in the next at-bat.
It's still 7-5, Auburn.
Sam Dutton's day ends with shortest start of season for Auburn baseball
Top Fifth (Game Two): That'll do it for Sam Dutton. His day's over after four innings official, which is his shortest start of the season. He was also taken for a season-high five earned runs on eight hits. Auburn will turn it over to John Armstrong with a runner at second and no outs.
It's still 7-5, Auburn.
South Carolina continues tacking Auburn baseball's Sam Dutton
Top Fourth (Game Two): It's been far from a banner day for Auburn ace Sam Dutton. He's now given up a season-high five runs in 3⅓ innings, which matches the length of his shortest start this season. That has come on seven hits, and the Gamecocks have now posted three runs in the fourth.
It's 7-5, Auburn.
Chris Rembert continues Auburn baseball's slugfest
Bottom Third (Game Two): Chris Rembert just became the second Tiger with multiple home runs this weekend, logging another three-run shot in Game Two against South Carolina. It followed an RBI double from Bristol Carter, and Rembert's long ball was followed by a single from Eric Guevara, marking three straight two-out hits for the Tigers.
That was Rembert's ninth home run this season, and it brought his RBI total against the Gamecocks to the same number.
It's 7-2, Auburn.
South Carolina tacks Auburn baseball's Sam Dutton for another run
Mid-Third (Game Two): The Gamecocks have already matched Thursday's run total in three innings, plating another run in the third by way of an RBI single for shortstop Henry Kaczmar. That's now two runs on three hits given up by Dutton.
It's 3-2, Auburn.
Ike Irish plates another run for Auburn baseball
Thru Three (Game Two): Auburn nearly stranded a pair of runs in the second, but Ike Irish came through with two outs, slapping an RBI single into center and scoring Chase Fralick from second. Auburn has now plated at least a run in three of its past five innings.
It's 3-1, Auburn.
South Carolina gets a run back from Auburn baseball
Mid-Second (Game Two): The Gamecocks were able to steal a run back in their second frame at the plate, thanks to a solo shot from first baseman Beau Hollins. That's South Carolina's only run and hit so far, however. Sam Dutton's been perfect otherwise. He's struck out three of the seven batters he has faced.
It's 2-1, Auburn.
Auburn baseball's Eric Guevara starts the scoring in Game Two
Bottom First (Game Two): Eric Guevara's 5 for 6 against the Gamecocks, hitting a two-run home run in the 2-hole spot to start the scoring in Friday's first contest.
That's his second home run of the weekend, as he belted a grand slam in Thursday's blowout. His past two at-bats have resulted in him going yard.
It's 2-0, Auburn.
FINAL | No. 8 Auburn baseball 24, South Carolina 2 (7)
South Carolina laid an egg in its previous SEC series, succumbing to a sweep from Florida that included a 22-3 loss and an 8-0 shutout in the finale.
It laid another egg against Auburn on Thursday, losing by 22 runs in a league contest that looked more like a lopsided midweek result. Auburn's 24 runs matched last year's season best, when it scored 24 in a nonconference win over Austin Peay. That mark was also tied for a third-most runs ever scored in an SEC contest in program history.
On Thursday, Auburn (34-15, 14-11 SEC) had five Tigers register multi-hit days. Eric Guevara and Chase Fralick each posted four-hit performances, with Chris Rembert (3), Ike Irish (2) and Deric Fabian (2) also logging multi-hit efforts.
That group combined to score 14 of Auburn's runs. They totaled 17 RBIs, all 5 of Auburn's home runs and each of its 5 extra-base hits. And another five Tigers had at least one hit.
Cam Tilly also turned in his best start yet, giving up one run in five innings. He struck out 6 batters while issuing 4 walks, and he gave up just 2 hits.
Auburn baseball starter Cam Tilly's day ends with career-long outing
Thru Five (Game One): For as shaky as South Carolina's pitching staff is, so is its lineup, and Cam Tilly took full advantage in his series-opening start.
The Tigers turned it over to Ben Schorr to start the sixth, ending Tilly's day at a career-high five innings pitched. His final line included 6 strikeouts, 4 walks and 1 run on hits.
It's still 24-1, Auburn.
Auburn baseball reaches 20-run mark against South Carolina
End Fifth (Game One): South Carolina's certainly a struggling program, and you can look no further for evidence then the first game of this series.
Auburn was up 15 runs heading into the fifth. They've now tallied a game-high nine runs in this frame. It's the Tigers fourth-straight inning with a plated run, and the out-pouring came after: an RBI fielder's choice from Bub Terrell; an RBI double from Chase Fralick; an RBI single from Chris Rembert; an RBI hit-by-pitch for Cooper McMurray; an RBI bases-loaded walk for Lucas Steele; and a two-out grand slam from third baseman Eric Guevara.
It's a complete obliteration, and a 24-1 lead for Auburn.
Ike Irish hits Auburn baseball's fourth home run, plating more insurance
Bottom Four (Game One): Auburn appeared bound for its second scoreless frame at the plate, but Ike Irish bucked that possibility with a two-out, three-run homer. It was Auburn's fourth of the day, Irish's 13th home run of the season, and the 200th hit of his career. He's the first Auburn player to reach the 200-career-hit milestone since 2016.
It's 15-1, Auburn.
Auburn baseball's Cade Belyeu leaves game following two HBPs
Top Fourth (Game One): Butch Thompson's made a defensive substitution in the Tigers' outfield, with Bristol Carter taking the place of Cade Belyeu. It followed a frame in which Belyeu took his second hit-by-pitch of the evening, putting him at 20 HBPs this season.
Auburn baseball in run-rule territory for USC series opener
End Third (Game One): The hits (and runs) just keep coming for Auburn. Its matchup with one of the worst pitching staffs in the SEC is showing face, as the Tigers plated another seven runs in the third after logging a five-run second inning.
Freshman Bub Terrell kicked things off with an RBI single, and fellow freshman Chris Rembert plated him two at-bats later with a three-run homer, putting him at eight on the year. After another two at-bats, Cooper McMurray hit his 11th home run of the season to give Auburn a 10-run lead.
Eric Guevara capped the scoring, nearly leaving the yard in left-center. Instead, he had to settle for a two-out RBI triple.
It's 12-1, Auburn.
Auburn baseball takes lead from South Carolina with 5-run inning
End Second (Game One): Auburn's second inning at the plate didn't end with Lucas Steele's solo shot. That only began the story.
The Tigers went on to plate four more runs, totaling a five-run, five-hit inning. Seven consecutive batters reached base, with a walk and two hit-by-pitchers peppered between the Tigers' four other hits. Deric Fabian plated one with an RBI double, Chris Rembert followed his at-bat with a two-RBI double, and Ike Irish plated two more with a single.
While Steele started the scoring, he also stopped it with an inning-ending double play and two runners left on base.
Still, it's 5-1, Auburn.
Lucas Steele goes yard, plates Auburn baseball's first run
Bottom Second (Game One): With one swing, Lucas Steele gave Auburn its first hit and run against the Gamecocks, hitting his fifth home run of the season just over the wall in right field. There are still no outs in the frame.
It's tied, 1-1.
South Carolina strikes first in series vs. Auburn baseball
Mid-First (Game One): Cam Tilly's taking Auburn into the weekend on the mound, but he's off to a shaky start.
After Tilly issued a walk to South Carolina's Blake Jackson, the Gamecocks' leadoff man came around to score, thanks to a one-out RBI double from Nathan Hall. Tilly retired the next two batters he faced, logging a groundout and strikeout, respectively, stranding one runner.
It's 1-0, South Carolina.
Starting lineups: Auburn baseball vs. South Carolina
- Game One
- Auburn
- 2B Chris Rembert (.336)
- CF Cade Belyeu (.296)
- RF Ike Irish (.335)
- 1B Cooper McMurray (.335)
- DH Lucas Steele (.250)
- 3B Eric Guevara (.256)
- LF Bub Terrell (.270)
- C Chase Fralick (.337)
- SS Deric Fabian (.241)
- South Carolina
- RF Blake Jackson (.200)
- SS Henry Kaczmar (.296)
- CF Nathan Hall (.345)
- DH Jase Woita (.301)
- 1B Beau Hollins (.302)
- 2B Cayden Gaskin (.296)
- LF Evan Stone (.234)
- 3B KJ Scobey (.233)
- C Gavin Braland (.192)
- Starting pitchers
- Auburn: RHP Cam Tilly (2-1, 4.78 ERA)
- South Carolina: RHP Brandon Stone (2-5, 5.09 ERA)
- Auburn
- Game Two
- Auburn
- RF Chris Rembert (.344)
- 3B Eric Guevara (.287)
- LF Ike Irish (.340)
- 1B Cooper McMurray (.335)
- DH Lucas Steele (.255)
- 2B Eric Snow (.277)
- SS Deric Fabian (.247)
- C Chase Fralick (.351)
- CF Bristol Carter (.250)
- South Carolina
- RF Blake Jackson (.196)
- SS Henry Kaczmar (.292)
- CF Nathan Hall (.344)
- DH Jase Woita (.302)
- 1B Beau Hollins (.295)
- 2B Jordan Carrion (.289)
- LF Evan Stone (.239)
- 3B KJ Scobey (.229)
- C Gavin Braland (.200)
- Starting pitchers
- Auburn: RHP Sam Dutton (6-2, 2.37 ERA)
- South Carolina: LHP Jake McCoy (4-4, 6.18 ERA)
- Auburn
- Game Three
- Auburn
- 2B Chris Rembert (.350)
- 3B Eric Guevara (.315)
- RF Ike Irish (.343)
- 1B Cooper McMurray (.328)
- DH Lucas Steele (.264)
- LF Bub Terrell (.270)
- CF Bristol Carter (.248)
- C Chase Fralick (.349)
- SS Deric Fabian (.242)
- South Carolina
- RF Blake Jackson (.196)
- SS Henry Kaczmar (.302)
- CF Nathan Hall (.337)
- DH Jase Woita (.317)
- 1B Beau Hollins (.314)
- 2B Jordan Carrion (.288)
- LF Evan Stone (.243)
- 3B KJ Scobey (.241)
- C Max Kaufer (.158)
- Starting pitchers
- Auburn: RHP Christian Chatteron (4-1, 3.69 ERA)
- South Carolina: RHP Dylan Eskew (0-2, 3.45 ERA)
- Auburn
- Officials
- Game One: Alex Ransom (HP); Kevin Elzey (1B); Jeff Wright (2B); Jordan Ferrell (3B)
- Game Two: Kevin Elzey (HP); Jeff Wright (1B); Jordan Ferrell (2B); Alex Ransom (3B)
- Game Three: Jeff Wright (HP); Jordan Ferrell (1B); Alex Ransom (2B); Kevin Elzey (3B)
Auburn baseball vs. South Carolina: Series results
- Game One: Auburn 24, South Carolina 2 (7)
- Game Two: Auburn 11, South Carolina 10
Auburn baseball start times: When do Tigers play this weekend?
- Game 1 (Thursday): 6 p.m. CT
- Game 2 (Friday): 1 p.m. CT
- Game 3 (Friday): 5:10 p.m. CT
Following Thursday's contest, Auburn announced it'd be moving its series finale against South Carolina to Friday, playing a doubleheader that will begin at 1 p.m. CT. Game Three's expected to start 45 minutes after Game Two's conclusion, and both contests are expected to be a full nine innings.
How to watch Auburn baseball vs. South Carolina
- TV Channel: ESPN2 (Thursday)
- Live stream: SEC Network+
While the final two games of this weekend's series will only be available on streaming, Thursday's series-opener will air on ESPN2. Clay Matvick will serve as the play-by-play commentator and Auburn legend Gregg Olson as the color analyst all weekend long.
Listen live: Auburn baseball on the radio
Radio calls for every Auburn baseball game will be broadcast live on WMSP AM (740) in Montgomery and WGZZ FM (94.3) or WAUE FM (100.3) in Auburn, and can also be streamed online, with Andy Burcham and Brad Law in the booth.
Auburn baseball: Probable starters vs. South Carolina
- Game 1 (Thursday): RHP Cam Tilly (2-1, 4.78 ERA)
- Game 2 (Friday): RHP Sam Dutton (6-2, 2.37 ERA)
- Game 3 (Saturday): RHP Christian Chatterton (4-1, 3.69 ERA)
For the first time in two weekends, Auburn is rolling out a three-man projected rotation for its SEC series. It's also a new-look rotation, moving Dutton from his role as the series-opening starter to Game 2.
"I think it's our best chance to win," Thompson said. "I think it's the best to handle these arms, because Dutton's gone deep, consistent every time, and we have to be mindful of this weekend."
Injury updates: Auburn baseball vs. South Carolina
While Auburn's expected to be near full health, South Carolina's biggest star, Ethan Petry, will be out for the weekend. He injured his left shoulder during the Kentucky series two weekends ago and hasn't returned to the lineup since.
He had been South Carolina's second-best hitter this season, posting a .329 average. He's still the only Gamecock to register at least 10 home runs.
Auburn baseball's 2025 schedule
Record: 33-15 (13-11 SEC)
- Feb. 14-16: vs. Holy Cross
- Feb. 18: vs. No. 24 Troy
- Feb. 19: vs. North Alabama
- Feb. 21-23: vs. Wright State
- Feb. 25: vs. Samford
- Feb. 28: vs. Ohio State*
- March 1: vs. No. 8 Oregon State*
- March 2: vs. Baylor*
- March 4: at UAB
- March 7-9: vs. Old Domion
- March 11: vs. UT-Martin*
- March 15-17: vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt
- March 18: vs. Alabama State
- March 21-23: at No. 24 Kentucky
- March 25: vs. South Alabama*
- March 28-29: at No. 2 Georgia
- April 1: vs. UAB
- April 4-5: vs. No. 8 Alabama
- April 8: at No. 15 Georgia Tech
- April 11-13: vs. No. 3 LSU
- April 15: at Jacksonville State
- April 17-19: at No. 1 Texas
- April 22: vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech
- April 25-27: vs. Mississippi State
- April 29: vs. Samford*
- May 2-4: at No. 6 Tennessee
- May 8-10: vs. South Carolina
- May 13: vs. Jacksonville State
- May 15-17: at No. 22 Ole Miss
- May 20-25: SEC Tournament*
Asterisks denote neutral site contests.
Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email atacole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter,@colereporter.
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