PITTSBURGH Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has continued to rewrite the record books in his rookie season.
The 22-year-old starter struck out eight batters as the Pirates crushed the New York Mets 14-2 on Friday.
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Skenes has blazed a trail through the MLB since being promoted from the minors in May.
He has now logged seven or more strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts for the franchise, per SI.
That feat has never been achieved by any rookie MLB pitcher.
Skenes’ fastball has proved a remarkable weapon with the LSU product regularly throwing over 100mph.
Mets’ batters were unable to cope as Skenes mixed in a devilish splitter and slider to continue his strong start to life in the majors.
He was given a standing ovation after leaving the game following the 7th inning on Friday, with the Pirates leading 4-2.
They would later slug two grand slams to run out emphatic winners at PNC Park.
“Baseball in Pittsburgh is so back. There’s not much more you can say about this guy. Just unbelievable,” gasped one fan on X.
“Even this Reds fan can say I’m impressed. Actually happy for Pirates fans. Good for them,” said another.
“Future Cy Young winner,” declared a third.
“Even better than advertised,” argued a fourth.
Skenes now has a 5-0 winning record on starts for the Pirates.
Taken as the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, the starter currently boasts an impressive ERA of 2.12.
He has also recorded 78 strikeouts across his 10 starts.
Away from baseball, Skenes is dating LSU gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne.
DUNNE AND SKENES’ SUMMER OF LOVE
Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes managed to keep their relationship a secret before finally going public last summer.
The pair met at LSU, but it’s not clear when they started dating.
Rumors of a romance began when Dunne watched LSU win the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska last summer.
And Dunne then posted selfies from Fort Myers in Florida, where Skenes was playing.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and began his pro career by playing in minor leagues in the Sunshine State.
The final clue came when Dunne posed in a Pirates cap before the pair finally went public.
The pair met during their respective time in Baton Rouge and have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.
As Skenes was tearing up New York in Pittsburgh, Livvy was turning heads in the Big Apple.
The 21-year-old gymnast attended Michael Rubin’s July 4 White Party in The Hamptons on Thursday.
She rocked a stunning figure-hugging dress for the occasion as Dunne rubbed shoulders with NFL legend Tom Brady and YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
Dunne won a national championship with the LSU Tigers earlier this year.
A Sports Illustrated model, she is yet to decide if she will leave gymnastics behind or return for another year.
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