Olivia Dunne, the renowned gymnast and social media personality, experienced a whirlwind of emotions during her boyfriend Paul Skenes' final start of the season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. From a private suite at Great American Ball Park, Dunne was seen on camera exhibiting visible nerves as she intently watched Skenes pitch against the Cincinnati Reds. Videos circulating on social media captured Dunne's anxious energy, showing her filming the game on her phone and audibly expressing her support. She later shared the clips on her Instagram story, acknowledging her nervousness with a relatable caption: "can't blame a gal for being nervous." Despite the tension, Dunne also celebrated with a Miller Lite in hand as Skenes delivered a remarkable performance, pitching six shutout innings in an eventual Pirates victory.
Skenes' final outing cemented his exceptional sophomore season, culminating in a stunning sub-2.00 ERA. This achievement made him the youngest pitcher to reach this milestone since Dwight Gooden in 1985. Notably, Skenes chose to continue pitching for six innings, foregoing the opportunity to ensure a sub-2.00 ERA and prioritizing the team's win. He later commented on his decision, highlighting that 'winning' superseded any individual statistical achievement. He further joked about slightly underperforming compared to his rookie season's ERA, showcasing his humble and competitive spirit.
His outstanding season included breaking the Pirates' franchise record for most strikeouts by a right-handed pitcher, tallying an impressive 216 strikeouts, surpassing teammate Mitch Keller's previous record. Despite Skenes' phenomenal performance, the Pirates finished the season with a 69-89 record, underscoring the team's struggles as they sit last in the NL Central and well outside of postseason contention.
Skenes reflected on his last game, stating the bittersweet feelings of the season's end. He expressed his appreciation for the game, even the sub-2.00 ERA being a 'nice little byproduct'. The season's conclusion brought a mix of emotions for both Skenes and his supportive girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, making their shared experience a captivating blend of athletic triumph and personal connection.
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Originally published at: https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/sports/livvy-dunne-was-going-through-a-rollercoaster-of-emotions-in-paul-skenes-final-start/
