Livvy Dunne, a LSU gymnast and girlfriend of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, recently shared her thoughts on Skenes being pulled from a potential no-hitter bid against the Milwaukee Brewers. While many fans, including Dunne, would have loved to see Skenes achieve a no-hitter in just his 11th major league start, she understands and respects the decision to prioritize his arm’s longevity.
During the 2024 ESPY Awards, Dunne expressed that while it would have been an impressive feat for Skenes to pitch a no-hitter in his rookie year, it was important to consider his overall well-being. She acknowledged that pulling him from the game after pitching a no-hitter through the seventh inning was ultimately the best decision for his health and future performance.
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton explained that the decision to remove Skenes from the game was based on his physical condition rather than the pitch count. Shelton emphasized the importance of trusting Skenes’ body signals and ensuring that he had given his all in the game.
Despite being pulled from the no-hitter bid, Skenes’ remarkable performance in his rookie season has not gone unnoticed. National League All-Star manager Torey Lovullo personally called Skenes during an interview to inform him that he would be the starting pitcher in the upcoming All-Star game. Lovullo praised Skenes for his humility and impressive debut in the MLB, expressing excitement to see him shine on the All-Star stage.
Dunne, who is undoubtedly biased, confidently stated that she believes Skenes is the best pitcher in the league. The support and admiration she shows for Skenes highlight the strong bond between the couple and Dunne’s unwavering belief in his talent and potential.
As Skenes continues to make waves in the MLB, fans can look forward to witnessing more of his outstanding performances on the field. The decision to prioritize his long-term health and success reflects the Pirates’ commitment to nurturing and supporting their promising young pitcher as he navigates his budding career in professional baseball.