"A 9 K slay" - Paul Skenes' girlfriend Olivia Dunne reacts to Pirates ace's 9-strikeout gem, bolstering his NL ROY bid with 2.10 ERA

Paul Skenes' girlfriend Olivia Dunne jetted off to New York City on Monday with her LSU friend Flau'jae Johnson. Despite her busy schedule, she always takes time to celebrate her boyfriend's impact start in the big leagues. Dunne did the same after Skenes' dominating start on Monday night against the Marlins in Pittsburgh.

Olivia praised Skenes' talents in an Instagram story, writing:

"A 9 K slay!"

Screenshot from Olivia Dunne's story on Instagram

Dunne has shown immense support for Skenes through all of his home starts this season. Due to travel reasons, she couldn't attend Monday night's opener against the Marlins at PNC Park, but despite that, she continued to cheer him along as Skenes registered his 10th win of the campaign.

Skenes came out of the blocks roaring and steamrolled past the Marlins. He pitched six solid frames giving up just one run, walked one batter and struck out nine in yet another mighty outing at home for the Pirates.

It has been a highly successful season so far in the MLB for the rookie ace, who has received immense support from the Bucs nation and especially from Olivia Dunne.

Olivia Dunne praised Paul Skenes' pitching talents at the MLB All-Star red carpet in July

Paul Skenes created history by becoming the first rookie player in the league to achieve an All-Star nod in his maiden MLB season. He started the game for the NL All-Star in the Midsummer Classic and pitched a scoreless top of the first.

Before the game, at the extravagant MLB All-Star red carpet event, he rocked a white suit beside Olivia Dunne, who wore a shimmering grey dress. When an MLB broadcaster asked Dunne her opinion on Skenes' pitching talents, she replied:

"My brain can’t even process how hard he throws. Like, it is incredible and such a joy to watch. And he’s a great baseball player but an even better person.”

Skenes has a healthy ERA of 2.10 with 151 strikeouts and 0.99 WHIP. With at least two more starts left for the rookie in the regular season, he can further improve his record of 10-2.