Pitcher Paul Skeens was the first player selected in last year’s MLB draft. After starting the 2024 season as a pitcher in the minor leagues of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate, he recently received an offer to join the major league club.
Skeens earned a spot with the Pirates after a series of strong performances at the minor league level.
The 21-year-old’s solid pitching continued in his MLB debut. He struck out seven Chicago Cubs batters in the fourth inning on Saturday.
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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skeens pitches in his major league debut in the bottom of the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. (Charles LeClair/USA Today Sports)
Skeens, who is dating gymnast Olivia Dunn, credits the LSU gymnastics star for supporting him through the pressures he faced leading up to his long-awaited MLB mound debut. .
Olivia Dunn reveals how boyfriend Paul Skeens found out about her call-up to the Pirates
“It was great. She helped me in a lot of ways in terms of managing the hype and how to manage everything that comes with being a professional athlete because she lived it. So, that’s great.” Skenes said Friday.
Skeens also attended LSU and was named Most Valuable Player after the Tigers won the College World Series in 2023.
LSU gymnast Olivia Dunn (center) speaks to a fan before her Pittsburgh Pirates boyfriend Paul Skeens (not pictured) makes his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. wave hands. (Charles LeClair/USA Today Sports)
Dunn has been a star athlete in her own competition, winning the SEC Gymnast of the Week award earlier this season. Last month, Dunn watched his teammates win the national individual all-around championship for the first time in school history.
LSU’s Olivia Dunn poses for a photo with the trophy after her team won the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships on April 20, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dan has a sizable following on multiple social media platforms and is a brand ambassador for several companies. According to data compiled, her name, image and likeness (NIL) is estimated to be worth $3.7 million. Posted by: On3.
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Cubs and Pirates players were forced to leave the game in the top of the fifth inning due to weather. The game was tied at 6:00 when it was postponed due to rain.
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