Of all the moments Livvy Dunne has witnessed in her boyfriend Paul Skenes’ young career, his MLB debut is “probably one of her favorites.”
Skenes, the top overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, made his first start for the Pirates on Saturday afternoon, and Dunne couldn’t be more proud.
He pitched four innings, allowing three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts.
The right-hander hit 100 mph 27 times, reaching 102 once in the first inning.
“I had some nerves at first but I’ve kind of channeled that into excitement,” Dunne said in an interview with Sportsnet Pittsburgh. “I just have the most confidence in him ever.”
“I have so many amazing memories with him but I know how hard he has worked for this moment,” Dunne said from a suite at PNC Park. “Seriously there’s nothing that can top this, I’m just so proud.”
Skenes produced a 0.99 ERA for 45 strikeouts across 27 1/3 innings in seven starts in the Pirates’ minor league system with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians this season before getting called up to the majors.
It was a call that apparently came while he and Dunne were taking a nap.
“All I can say is that is the quickest I’ve ever packed in my life,” Dunne said with a laugh. “He had a few missed calls and he got called up. And he was like, ‘Let’s pack!’ and we hit the road.”
The LSU gymnast and social media star showed her support for Skenes’ debut in Pirates gear, which she showed off on her Instagram Story.
Dunne shared a photo of her outfit — a custom-made Pirates jacket with Skenes’ name on the arm and Yinz tank top.
The pieces, along with other Pittsburgh gear, were gifted by @TinyTurnip, she wrote on her Instagram.
Skenes shared on Friday night that Dunne has been extremely helpful in navigating the start of his major league career.
“It’s been great, she’s helped me in a lot of ways in terms of managing all the hype I guess, if you will, and how to manage everything that goes around being a pro athlete because she’s kinda lived it. So it’s been great,” Skenes said one day before his debut.