- Skenes also recorded 11 strikeouts and a 66 percent strike rate against the Cubs.
- The 21-year-old was selected by Pittsburgh with the first pick in last year’s draft.
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Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes has impressed again in the major leagues after pitching six hitless innings against the Chicago Cubs.
Skenes, who was selected by Pittsburgh with the first overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, showed flashes of his pitching quality in recent outings against Chicago, having struck out seven and walked two in four-plus innings at PNC Park last Saturday.
And less than a week later, the 21-year-old gave a masterclass against the same opponent at Wrigley Field; him recording six hitless innings, 11 strikeouts and 100 pitches, 66 percent of which were strikes.
His 100th and final pitch of the day was also recorded at an astonishing 100 mph.
In addition to being one of MLB’s brightest prospects, Skenes is also the boyfriend of TikTok and LSU gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne.
Pirates rookie Paul Skenes impressed again after pitching six hitless innings against the Cubs.
Skenes put on a masterclass, also recording 11 strikeouts and 100 pitches, 66 percent of which were strikes.
In addition to being one of MLB’s brightest prospects, Skenes is also the boyfriend of TikTok and LSU gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne.
Dunne was at PNC Park for his man’s major league debut with the Pirates last weekend, which saw him get off to a solid start against the Cubs.
“I felt some nerves at first, but I channeled them into excitement instead of nerves, and I have the utmost confidence in him,” she began. ‘I just trust him and what he’s brought to the table, and I’m very excited.
‘It’s incredible, the support here is incredible. Pittsburgh has been very welcoming. I just see people wearing Air Force stuff, LSU stuff, Skenes jerseys.
Skenes helped LSU win the national championship before accepting a contract with the Pirates that included a $9.2 million signing bonus.
He also had a 0.99 ERA in seven starts with Triple-A Indianapolis when he was bred by the Pirates last weekend.
The 6-foot-6 pitcher has been under the microscope since long before his call-up to the major leagues, thanks to his performances on the mound and his relationship with Dunne, who has eight million followers on TikTok.
She recently asked Pittsburgh to take her boyfriend to the MLB, saying: “I have no idea (when his MLB debut will be). Hopefully soon! I’m starting to get all my merchandise ready. I already have my clothes picked out.