Of all the moments Libby Dunn has witnessed in her boyfriend Paul Skeens’ young career, his MLB debut is “probably one of her favorites.”
Skeens, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, made his first start for the Pirates on Saturday afternoon, and Dunn couldn’t have been more proud.
He pitched four innings, allowing six hits and three runs, with seven strikeouts.
The right-hander hit 100 mph 27 times, reaching 102 mph only once in the first round.
“I was nervous at first, but I think I turned that into excitement,” Dunn said in an interview with Sportsnet Pittsburgh. “I have the most confidence in him ever.”
“I have so many great memories with him, and I know how hard he worked for this moment,” Dunn said from his suite at PNC Park. “Really, nothing could top this. I’m really proud.”
Skeens spent this season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in the Pirates’ minor league system before being called up to the majors, starting seven games and pitching 27 1/3 innings with 45 strikeouts and an ERA. He achieved a score of 0.99.
Apparently the call had come while he and Dan were taking a nap.
“All I can say is that it was the fastest time I’ve ever packed in my life,” Dan said with a laugh. “He had a few missed calls and then he called me. And he said, ‘Let’s pack!’ And we set off. ”
The LSU gymnast and social media star supported Skeens’ debut in pirate gear, showing it off on her Instagram Story.
Dan shared a photo of his outfit. A custom-made Pirates jacket with Skeens’ name on his arm and a tank top from Intu.
These pieces, along with other Pittsburgh gear, were a gift from @TinyTurnip, she wrote on Instagram.
Skeens said Friday night that Dunn has been extremely helpful in getting his major league career off the ground.
“It was really good. She helped me in a lot of ways in terms of dealing with the hype and how to manage everything that comes with being a pro athlete. “It was great,” Skeens said the day before his debut.
