Livvy Dunne Weighs In On Paul Skenes Getting Pulled From No Hitter After 7 With A Great Answer

Getty Image / Gilbert Flores / Variety

Days after being named to the 2024 All-Star Game as a rookie, Pirates ace Paul Skenes was working a no-hitter through 7 innings on Thursday against the Brewers but was pulled prior to the 8th inning.

Skenes had 11 Ks and had thrown 99 pitches so the timing was right to keep his arm healthy for the rest of the season but it’s still quite uncommon for a manager to pull a pitcher that deep into a no-hitter.

Later in the evening at the ESPY Awards, Paul Skenes’ girlfriend / LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne was asked about the decision to pull him 7 innings deep into a no-no and she gave a very reasonable answer, at least more reasonable than I’d expect my better half to be if I got pulled from a career milestone.

Livvy was asked “knowing how much of a competitor he is, how much do you think he would have liked to have finished that game?” She responded by saying “you know what… it would have been a cool accolade to say that you threw a no-hitter your rookie year but also you gotta make that arm last long. So, I don’t blame them.”

I love how diplomatic this answer is. She’s simultaneously looking out for Paul Skenes’ arm, his future (earnings), and the Pirates organization by affirming they made the right decision for the long-term success of everyone involved.

When asked if she thinks he’s the best pitcher in the major leagues right now, Livvy said “I’m a little biased, yes.” What else is she supposed to say? That’s such a softball question it hurts.

Paul Skenes lowered his ERA on the season to 1.90 through 11 games (6 wins, 0 losses). He now boasts a filthy 0.86 ERA on the road and a K/BB ratio of 6.88. Meanwhile, Livvy Dunne who is an incredible gymnast cannot hit a baseball to save her life:

Paul needs to do the right thing and take her to the batting cage and teach Dunne how to hit the ball. She’s way too coordinated and talented of an athlete to be whiffing like that.