Livvy Dunne, a prominent gymnast and girlfriend of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, has shared that watching Skenes compete is more nerve-wracking than her own collegiate gymnastics career. Dunne explained that the reason for this heightened anxiety stems from the lack of control she has over the game's outcome.
"It’s completely out of my control, which is really hard because while I was competing, I mean, I was in control of my own destiny," Dunne said during an appearance on MLB Network. "Now I just need to sit back, relax and trust him."
Dunne, who previously competed for LSU, experiences a wide range of emotions while Skenes is on the mound. She stated, "I get nervous because I obviously want him to do his best. He usually pops out, does his thing, does amazing. But I feel every emotion while he’s out there doing his thing."
She recalled an instance earlier in the season when she was seen reacting visibly after Skenes gave up a home run. Dunne, a vocal supporter of Skenes and the Pirates, attends many of his games.
Dunne also shared an experience from the offseason when Skenes asked her to stand in the batter's box while he practiced pitching. Initially hesitant due to the perceived danger, she eventually complied on the last day before spring training. Skenes playfully "buzzed her tower," throwing high and inside, which she described as "scary."
Skenes, who has established himself as an anchor for the Pirates, currently holds an 8-8 record with a 3.57 ERA. The Pirates are actively competing in the National League Wild Card race with a 50-47 record.