Olivia Dunne and her boyfriend Paul Skenes shared a heartwarming moment of reunion following her participation in LSU’s SEC Championship victory and his involvement in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Still Going Strong
Captured in a selfie shared on Dunne’s Instagram Story on Tuesday, the couple’s affectionate bond was evident as they posed together.
Notably, Dunne tagged Skenes’ handle in the post, signaling the enduring strength of their relationship.
Celebrating The Big Win
Dunne, donning beige sandals paired with jeans and a black lace tank top while stylishly carrying a Gucci bag, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a conference champion over the weekend. LSU, ranked No. 3 nationally, achieved a historic milestone by scoring 198.075 points, the highest in the program’s history, at the SEC title meet in New Orleans on Saturday night.
Following this momentous victory, Dunne, 21, joined her teammates in jubilant celebration as they secured the Lady Tigers’ fifth crown. Captured in photos and footage shared by the influencer, who is also a prominent NIL dealer on TikTok and Instagram, the joyous camaraderie of the team was evident for all to see.
A Powerful Performance
Dunne, alongside her fellow LSU gymnasts, showcased their talents across various disciplines during the championship, starting with vault and seamlessly transitioning to bars and beam before concluding with floor routines. Notably, LSU had held the top ranking in its conference leading up to the event.
In contrast, Skenes, also 21, although called up for the Pirates’ spring training and participating in preseason games, is still awaiting his major break in the MLB. Despite this opportunity, he recognizes the need to patiently await his chance to shine in the big leagues.
It’s anticipated that he will commence the season playing for one of Pittsburgh’s minor league affiliates, with possibilities including the Triple-A Indianapolis or Double-A Altoona teams.
Paul Skenes Talks About His Future With The Pirates
As the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, Skenes engaged in discussions regarding his immediate future with Pirates GM Ben Cherington.
Reflecting on his professional journey thus far, Skenes acknowledged, “I’ve thrown 6 2/3 innings in pro ball. It’s just kind of how it goes.”
He further elaborated on his conversation with Cherington, stating, “(Cherington) said it would be unprecedented if I started the year in the big leagues. Not that I don’t think I can do it, but I understand it.”
Why Paul Skenes Is The No. 1 Overall Pick
After last summer’s draft, Skenes accumulated a total of 6 2/3 innings across five starts, spanning rookie, Single-A, and Double-A levels. During this period, he conceded four earned runs on five hits and two walks, while recording 10 strikeouts. Notably, Skenes did not register any decisions and maintained a 5.40 ERA.
In the current spring season, he has pitched three innings, allowing just one run and striking out three batters. Renowned for his towering 6-foot-6 stature and impressive pitching prowess, Skenes has consistently demonstrated his potential, with his pitches reaching speeds as high as 102 mph.
During his tenure with LSU in the 2023 season, Skenes delivered outstanding performances, boasting a remarkable record of 13 wins and 2 losses with a stellar 1.69 ERA across 19 starts, including two complete games. Additionally, he achieved an impressive tally of 209 strikeouts in 122 2/3 innings, further solidifying his status as a formidable presence on the mound.