The Pittsburgh Pirates called up top prospect Paul Skeens on Saturday to make his MLB debut.
It was a short-notice call-up for Skeens, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft after starring as the ace of the College World Series champion LSU Tigers.
Skeens’ loved ones watched the game from a suite at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, and his girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunn, was among the many in attendance.
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LSU gymnast Olivia Dunn (center) before her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skeens (not pictured), made his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Wave to the fans. (Charles LeClair/USA Today Sports)
Trevor Bauer posts video recording of his scoreless innings in the Mexican League with a microphone.
In the bottom of the third inning, when Skens was in the dugout, Dunn Said on Pirates Broadcast Full of excitement.
“I have so many great memories with him, but I know how hard he worked for this moment. “It’s one of my favorite moments I’ve ever seen,” she said.
Dunn said she and Skens were taking a nap when she woke up to “a few missed calls.”
“I packed my bags the fastest I’ve ever been in my life. We had just woken up from a nap. He had a few missed calls and was called. And he just said, ‘Pack your bags.’ Let’s go,” and we set off. I was so excited,” she said.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skeens (left) comes out of the bullpen to make his major league debut alongside catcher Yasmani Grandal against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. (Imagination)
“The support here is amazing. Pittsburgh is so welcoming. … The support here is incredible. I love it.”
Skeens started the first seven games and dominated his Triple-A rivals with a 0.99 ERA. He allowed just 17 hits while consistently posting speeds of over 160 miles per hour. He struck out 45 batters while walking eight.
Pittsburgh gave him a record signing bonus of $9.2 million when he signed his first contract.
Paul Skeens, 30, of the Pittsburgh Pirates enters from the bullpen before making his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on May 11, 2024. (Justin Bahr/Getty Images)
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Skeens struck out the first two batters he faced and hit tops at 162 mph in the first inning.
FOX News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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