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For most couples, there is a drop in trust. For Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne, trust is built elsewhere.
The former LSU star gymnast traded in a leotard for a bat and helmet as she helped her boyfriend, a star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, work before spring training began.
In a video posted to her Instagram Stories, Dunne was seen in the right batter’s box challenging some pitches from Skenes, who can hit triple digits with his fastball at will.
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Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates watches the selection show with his girlfriend Olivia Dunne during the announcement of the 2024 ROY National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Lucas Casel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
While it didn’t look like Skenes was going 100%, Dunne was still in the batter’s box acting as a sparring partner for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner as he hit his arsenal of pitches.
“The ultimate test of trust,” Dunne captioned his post.
Dunne and Skenes have been dating since 2023, and the former has been spotted around the country watching the latter pitch as he quickly built his MLB stardom.
LIVVY DUNNE CELEBRATES PAUL SKENES’ CY YOUNG AWARD
Skenes was named the National League’s top pitcher last season after posting a major league-best 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts. He was named to his second All-Star team in his second year, becoming the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to win the Cy Young Award after winning Rookie of the Year.
Dunne celebrated her boyfriend’s latest achievement in X, saying: “Cy Young Skenes sounds great.” She was also seen alongside friends and family celebrating Skenes winning the award during the selection show after the 2025 season.
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Livvy Dunne pose for a photo during the 2024 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Frutitas Agua Fresca at Globe Life Field North Plaza on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Before Skenes begins his third MLB season, he will represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a star-studded roster for the tournament that will also feature American League Cy Young Award winner Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and reigning American League MVP New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
“It’s special,” Skenes told local reporters at Citi Field last season after announcing on MLB Network that he will participate in the 2026 WBC. “Growing up watching the World Baseball Classic as a kid, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to play in one. So I said to myself, ‘If I had the opportunity to do it, I couldn’t pass it up.’ Here we are.”
So these bullpen reps with Dunne are crucial considering Skenes will be stepping things up much sooner in hopes of winning the WBC in his first go-round.
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Livvy Dunne pose for a photo during the 2025 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Deer Park at Battery Ave on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Skenes has been nothing short of exceptional on the mound since entering the league following a college career at Air Force and LSU.
He has a career 1.96 ERA with 386 strikeouts in 320.2 innings over 55 starts.
