The Pittsburgh Pirates recently called up their top prospect, Paul Skenes, who made his MLB debut after being the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Skenes, who previously starred as the ace of the College World Series champion LSU Tigers, had a quick call-up to the majors. His loved ones, including his girlfriend Olivia Dunne, a gymnast and social media star from LSU, were in attendance to witness his debut in a suite at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Dunne spoke to the Pirates’ broadcast during the game, expressing her excitement and pride for Skenes and all the hard work he had put in to reach this moment.
During Skenes’ MLB debut, he impressed with his performance, striking out the first two batters he faced and reaching speeds of up to 102 mph in the first inning. Prior to being called up, Skenes had been dominating at Triple-A with a 0.99 ERA in his first seven starts. He had given up just 17 hits while consistently throwing over 100 mph, striking out 45 batters and walking eight. Pittsburgh had shown confidence in Skenes by giving him a record $9.2 million signing bonus when he signed his first contract. The support and welcome that Skenes and Dunne received from Pittsburgh was something they both appreciated and enjoyed.
Dunne shared the story of how Skenes was called up to the majors, mentioning that they were napping together when he received a few missed calls and got the news. She described how they quickly packed up and hit the road to make it to Pittsburgh in time for the game. Dunne expressed her joy and pride in seeing Skenes achieve his dream and emphasized the hard work and dedication he had put in to reach this point in his career. She also mentioned the overwhelming support they received from the Pittsburgh community, making them feel welcomed and appreciated.
Trevor Bauer, a MLB player, shared a mic’d up video of Skenes’ impeccable inning during his debut in the Mexican league. The video showcased Skenes’ talent and skill on the pitcher’s mound, further highlighting his potential and ability to compete at the highest level. The support and recognition from fellow players like Bauer, as well as from fans and the media, reflect the excitement and anticipation surrounding Skenes’ future in the MLB. As a top prospect with a strong track record of success, Skenes is poised to make a significant impact in the league and fulfill the high expectations placed on him as a top draft pick.
Skenes’ debut in the MLB was a memorable and emotional moment for him, his loved ones, and his supporters. As the first overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, he has been a highly anticipated prospect with a promising future in professional baseball. With his impressive performance at Triple-A and during his debut, Skenes has proven that he has the talent, work ethic, and determination to succeed at the highest level. The support and encouragement he has received from his family, girlfriend, team, and fans have been instrumental in his journey to the majors, and he is eager to continue making an impact and achieving success in his baseball career.
