Paul Skenes already looks like a star at the MLB level. He throws a rather effortless 100 MPH to go along with a quality repertoire of breaking pitches. Skenes and his girlfriend Olivia Dunne, who was a gymnast at LSU while Skenes pitched for the baseball team, have drawn a lot of attention since the pitcher was promoted to the big league club. Dunne, who often attends her boyfriend's games, has drawn comparisons to Taylor Swift attending Travis Kelce's games.
Skenes and Dunne have been trending for a different reason lately, however. A young Pirates fan was interviewed during a recent game that featured Skenes on the mound. The young fan provided an eye-opening answer when asked what his favorite thing about Skenes is, video via Barstool Sports.
“His mustache and Livvy Dunne,” the fan exclaimed.
Dunne took notice of the fan's comments and replied on X (formerly Twitter).
“I like the stache too kid,” Dunne wrote.
Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne: MLB's version of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift?
As mentioned earlier, Skenes and Dunne's relationship has drawn comparisons to Kelce and Swift's relationship. Some NFL fans couldn't stand it while others loved it, but Swift certainly brought even more attention to Kansas City Chiefs games simply by attending the contests.
Chris Rose addressed the topic during the latest episode of Baseball Today, via JM Baseball.
“Didn't I tell you when Livvy Dunne was part of the equation that this was this sport's equivalent to Kelce and (Swift),” Rose said. “Not on that big a scale but the equivalent to it.”
Rose is correct. Swift is obviously one of, if not the most famous people in the entire world. Kelce, meanwhile, is arguably the greatest tight end of all-time.
Meanwhile, Dunne is a talented gymnast and rising social media star while Skenes just made his MLB debut a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, the relationship, regardless of your thoughts on it, is drawing more attention to the sport. Dunne's fans are likely tuning into games when Skenes pitches and she is in attendance.
Skenes' performance to begin big league career
Again, Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne's relationship has drawn no shortage of attention. And that is something that could distract a young pitcher who is dealing with the pressure of previously being a No. 1 overall draft pick. Yet, Skenes has found success on the mound.
The LSU baseball product currently has a 2.25 ERA across three starts. He has recorded 21 strikeouts during that span and walked only four hitters. The fact that he's limiting base-on-balls is a positive sign, as many young flame-throwing hurlers tend to struggle with command.
Skenes looks like a future star. Pittsburgh is in fourth place in the National League Central division with a 23-28 record, but the team's future is bright. They could end up competing for a playoff spot within the next couple of years.
And the Pirates will continue to receive attention in 2024 given the impact of Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne.
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