“Large fan right here .” These three little phrases from Olivia Dunne on her finest good friend’s Instagram put up in February weren’t about gymnastics. Nope, this wasn’t about celebrating LSU’s achievements on the mat. As an alternative, the put up, captioned “luv month
”, was all about cherishing friendship—the type of bond constructed each on and off the health club ground. And Olivia? She was all for it, loving the candy gesture from her bestie in Baton Rouge. Quick ahead a month, and that very same finest good friend discovered one more reason to have a good time—this time, for somebody Olivia holds very near her coronary heart. Questioning, who?
Enter Paul Skenes, Olivia Dunne’s boyfriend and the rising MLB star. On March 27, Skenes marked a serious milestone: his first Opening Day begin. And it got here with an additional layer of status—he was named the MLBPA Participant Consultant for his staff, the Pittsburgh Pirates. To high it off, the Pirates hosted a particular occasion on X (previously Twitter), giving followers the prospect to win a baseball signed by the pitcher himself. It was shaping as much as be a memorable day. However the place was Olivia?
The LSU Tigers gymnastics senior had a particular method to have a good time Paul’s large recreation towards the Miami Marlins. Nonetheless, her BFF, Haleigh Bryant, additionally wasn’t about to let the second slip by unnoticed. On Instagram, Skenes shared a put up right now forward of the sport, marking his career-defining begin. And in a present of assist, Haleigh swooped into the remark part with two easy however fiery phrases: “Go Paul.” No prolonged tribute. No drawn-out message. Simply two easy phrases full of delight, assist, and a spark of LSU vitality. Though Olivia had a shock within the scene, her finest good friend made sure Skenes knew the Tiger squad was cheering for him from Baton Rouge. So, is it acceptable? Why not? However don’t you need to know what Olivia Dunne had in retailer to have a good time the large day?
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Haleigh Bryant might not have made it to Miami to look at Paul Skenes’ Opening Day debut in particular person, however Olivia Dunne wasn’t alone within the stands. As an alternative, she introduced some critical star energy alongside along with her. Cheering from the stadium had been none aside from gymnastics legend Aly Raisman and DJ Xandra, who joined Livvy to assist Paul on his large day. And the social media star made positive to doc each little bit of it. How?
After the sport, Olivia took to her Instagram story, giving followers a glimpse of the unforgettable day. She kicked issues off with a box-seat selfie, flashing a vibrant smile with the caption: “hooray for opening day ” However that wasn’t all. She additionally shared a enjoyable snap of the trio—herself, Aly, and Xandra—smiling from ear to ear, captioning it: “large Paul followers.” And whereas the group buzzed with pleasure, Paul made positive to share a number of particular moments along with his largest supporters. Earlier than the sport, he met the trio within the combined zone, taking pictures and having fun with a pre-game celebration. Smiles, laughter, and a complete lot of delight crammed the air. However past the heartwarming snapshots and Instagram-worthy moments, how did Paul’s large day really go on the sector?
Olivia Dunne’s boyfriend’s day was not all about wins
Paul Skenes didn’t simply make his Opening Day debut—he made historical past. The 22-year-old flamethrower turned the youngest Pirates pitcher to begin a season opener since Frank Killen did it approach again in 1893—sure, the 1800s. Discuss a throwback!
And the reigning Rookie of the 12 months confirmed precisely why he earned that title. Skenes got here out dealing, wanting sharp and assured within the first begin of his second big-league season. He cruised by way of the primary 5 innings, maintaining the Miami Marlins on their heels with a mixture of blistering fastballs and nasty off-speed pitches. Over 5.1 innings, Olivia Dunne’s boyfriend allowed simply two runs on three hits and racked up seven strikeouts. However issues bought a little bit rocky within the sixth inning.
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After dominating early, Paul issued back-to-back walks, placing runners on and bringing his outing to an finish. Regardless of the transient hiccup, it was a powerful and promising begin for the Pirates’ younger ace. The ultimate rating instructed one story—the Pirates misplaced the sport to the Miami Marlins in a 4-5 scoreline. And Skenes’ efficiency instructed one other story: This child is the actual deal!
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