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Rookie phenom Paul Skenes is headed to his first All-Star Game. The right-handed sensation is off to an incredible start with the Pittsburgh Pirates, mowing down opposing batters with triple digit velocity.
Through 10 MLB starts, Skenes is a perfect 5-0 boasting a miniscule 2.12 ERA to go with 78 Ks. His 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings would rank third in the bigs had he pitched enough to qualify for the statistic to this point.
Most expected the former No. 1 overall pick to flash his abilities on the bump upon reaching the MLB, but not many would’ve predicted the performance witnessed thus far. He’s been seen making veteran hitters look silly, consistently pumping 100 MPH on the radar gun while also mixing in a deadly splitter.
He’s quickly becoming the top option in the Pittsburgh rotation, and rather than slow down, he’s looking to play an even larger role as the Pirates compete for a wildcard berth.
With him every step of the way has been girlfriend Livvy Dunne, a talented athlete in her own right.
Knowing the skill and dedication needed to earn this most recent honor, Dunne celebrated the moment with Skenes fittingly.
Livvy Dunne toasted to Paul Skenes’ All-Star team inclusion with champagne and a cowboy hat!
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The news was made public Sunday as Skenes celebrated with his Pirates teammates in the locker room.
“Today’s a special day,” said manager Derek Shelton. “We start talking about going to the All-Star Game, and it being really important… We are going to celebrate the people that are going.”
Skenes was one of two Pittsburgh players to be named All-Stars, and will join outfielder Bryan Reynolds in Arlington, Texas for the Midsummer Classic.
Shortly after the announcement was made, Livvy Dunne posted a celebration photo on her Instagram story.
Keeping with the Texas theme, she positioned a cowboy hat atop a box of pizza alongside a few bottles of bubbly. The duo looks like they’ll enjoy this first major professional honor.
If things continue as they have for Paul Skenes, there will be plenty more accolades to follow.