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NL rookie of the year frontrunner Paul Skenes created history by becoming the first MLB player to get the All-Star nod in his maiden campaign. His girlfriend Olivia Dunne celebrated the feat by throwing a romantic surprise for the Pittsburgh Pirates ace.
Olivia shared a post on TikTok & Instagram showcasing a pie from Primanti Bros, six champagne glasses with a bottle of champagne on the side, and celebratory decorations reading All-Star in gold.
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Take a look at the image here:
Paul Skenes has been in startling form this season since making his MLB debut in May. Last year, he helped the LSU Tigers to a seventh College World Series title, which earned him the nod of Most Outstanding Player in the College World Series.
His searing form resulted in the Pittsburgh Pirates selecting him as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft and also giving him a $9.6 million signing bonus. While Skenes has made 10 starts in the current campaign, Dunne has provided towering support to the RHP through his home starts at PNC Park.
Olivia met Skenes last year when they were studying at LSU and also playing for the Tigers gymnastics and baseball teams, respectively. Dunne is the highest-earning collegiate athlete through NIL deals and also helped LSU claim their maiden NCAA title earlier this year.
It will be interesting to see whether Olivia Dunne travels to the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to see Skenes pitch for the NL team in the Midsummer Classic. Besides Paul Skenes, Bryan Reynolds has also received the All-Star nod from the Pirates franchise.
Paul Skenes elated to receive the All-Star nod
Skenes is 5-0 through 10 starts this season with a healthy ERA of 2.12, 1.01 WHIP and 78 strikeouts.
He's set to make his last start before the All-Star break against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday on the road. Reflecting on his Midsummer classic selection, Paul Skenes said:
“Obviously, starting the year in Triple-A, the odds of going to the Major League All-Star Game are pretty slim, so that wasn't one of my goals necessarily or expectations for this season.
"It's just a huge honor that I'm able to do it, after playing just a short span in the big leagues."
It will be interesting to see if NL manager Torey Lovullo starts Skenes on the mound in the All-Star game.
