Pitcher Paul Skenes was the first player selected in last year's MLB Draft. After beginning the 2024 season in the minors pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, he recently got the call to join the big league club.
Skenes earned a spot with the Pirates after putting together a series of solid performances at the minor league level.
The 21-year-old's solid pitching continued during his MLB debut. He struck out seven Chicago Cubs batters in four innings on Saturday.
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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes throws a pitch in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. (Charles LeClaire/USA Today Sports)
Skenes, who has been dating gymnast Olivia Dunne, credits the LSU gymnastics star for supporting him amid the pressure he faced ahead of his long-awaited debut on an MLB mound.
OLIVIA DUNNE REVEALS HOW SHE AND HER BOYFRIEND PAUL SKENES FOUND ABOUT THE PIRATES CALL
“It's been great. She's helped me in a lot of ways in terms of handling all the hype, I guess, so to speak, and how to handle everything that comes with being a professional athlete because she's been through it a little bit. So, it's been great. “Skenes said Friday.
Skenes also attended LSU and was named Most Outstanding Player after the Tigers won the College World Series in 2023.
LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, center, greets fans before her boyfriend Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) is introduced in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. (Charles LeClaire/USA Today Sports)
Dunne has also starred in her sport, earning SEC Gymnast of the Week honors earlier this season. Last month, Dunne watched her teammates win the all-around national championship for the first time in school history.
LSU's Olivia Dunne poses for a photo holding the trophy following the team's victory at the NCAA women's gymnastics championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutiérrez)
Dunne has a considerable following on multiple social media platforms and acts as a brand ambassador for several companies. She has an estimated name, image and likeness (NIL) worth of $3.7 million, according to data compiled by On3.
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The weather forced the Cubs and Pirates players off the field in the top of the fifth inning. The game was tied at six at the time of the rain delay.
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