In a recent Florida Lottery Pick 4 draw, the numbers 8, 7, 9, and 5 were selected, with the Fireball number coming in as 6. Together, they form the sequence 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. They weren’t drawn in perfect order, but the pattern was impossible to miss. Players and number-watchers alike are buzzing over the rarity of this sequence.
Winning in Pick 4 is already a long shot, but lining up a run of consecutive numbers makes it even more remarkable. For a straight play, where every number and its position must match exactly, the odds stand at 1 in 10,000. Go for a combo play, where the numbers can appear in any order, and you improve your chances to 1 in 2,500.
Still, catching a perfect sequence is like lightning striking.
Why This Draw Feels So Unlikely?
The Florida Lottery’s latest draw has people wondering how something so unusual could happen. The truth is, every set of numbers has the same odds as any other. A random combination like 3-8-1-4 is just as likely as a neat run of 5-6-7-8-9. But the human brain loves patterns, so when we spot one, it stands out.

The News / Sequential runs feel special because they seem ordered in a game built on chaos. The Pick 4 sequence, made possible by the Fireball number, taps into that fascination.
Statistically, there is no boost in chance from playing a string of consecutive digits. Yet when they hit, it feels like beating the system.
However, this isn’t the first time a big lottery game has served up back-to-back numbers. Just this month, on August 2, 2025, Powerball produced 34, 35, and 36 in the same draw. That same day, Cash Pop saw 13, 14, and 15 pop up in three separate daily draws. The odds don’t favor sequences like these, but they do happen more often than some expect.
In December 2024, Mega Millions made headlines when 66, 67, 68, and 69 were drawn. It is rare, but not unheard of. These cases show that, while improbable, patterns can emerge in completely random games. They create memorable moments for players and a wave of excitement online.
Are Consecutive Numbers Really That Rare?
The short answer is yes, but they are not mythical. The Virginia Lottery in June 2022 had an even longer run, drawing 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 in one go. Mega Millions also pulled 46, 47, and 48 in April 2023. These events are rare enough to make headlines, but not so rare that they are impossible to witness in a lifetime.

GTN / The odds of a sequence appearing depend on the type of game and the size of the number pool. In Pick 4, there are only 10 digits to choose from, so short runs can show up now and then.
But a full five-number sequence, like Florida’s recent 5-6-7-8-9, remains a statistical standout.
Some players swear by patterns, betting on straight runs like 1-2-3-4 or 6-7-8-9 again and again. They are drawn to the clean logic of numbers in order. Others believe patterns can “come due,” though in reality, every draw is an independent event. Still, part of the fun of the lottery is picking numbers that mean something to you.
The thrill of seeing your chosen pattern show up is powerful. Even if it is just for bragging rights, hitting a streak of consecutive numbers is unforgettable. That is why draws like the Florida Lottery’s latest make such an impact, even for those who didn’t win.