On the eve of Paul Skenes’ 23rd birthday, the Pittsburgh Pirates provided the critical offensive support any top starting pitcher needs. On Wednesday, May 28, the team’s bats continued their surge, contributing to a commanding 10-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, which secured the series 2-1 for the Pirates. This victory came shortly after the team overcame a 5-0 deficit two days earlier, underscoring their resilience and the solid backing for Skenes on the mound.
While Skenes shined during the game, his off-field moments that day were equally notable, as he celebrated his birthday with longtime girlfriend Olivia Dunne along the coastal waters of California.
Olivia Dunne Shares Intimate Glimpses of Birthday Celebration in San Diego
Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast, posted images capturing their birthday experience on May 29 in San Diego, the city where the Pirates were set to play next. Her social media featured a selfie tagging the location and a photo of Skenes enjoying time aboard a yacht, conveying a peaceful contrast to the tense baseball season. Although happy moments like this marked Skenes’ day, the Pirates have faced challenges in May, including a major shift in leadership.
Manager Derek Shelton was relieved of his duties amid a disappointing start to the season that saw the Pirates fall to 12-26 overall, further burdened by a seven-game losing streak. The team continues to strive toward improving their standing in the National League Central division against this backdrop of early setbacks.
Challenges and Successes: Skenes’ Season Amid Team Transition
Skenes himself has encountered difficulties this season, struggling to find wins compared to his standout rookie campaign, during which he recorded only three losses. However, his most recent outing demonstrated his elite pitching skills. Against the Diamondbacks, Skenes delivered 6.2 innings without allowing a run, striking out seven batters and issuing zero walks. His fastball velocity averaged 98.2 mph, and his pitching arsenal showcased a versatile use of six different pitches, with only minimal reliance on his curveball.
This performance reinforced Skenes’ status as a top contender for the Cy Young award, building on his earlier reputation as a favorite for the prestigious honor. When he left the game, the crowd in the visiting dugout gave him a standing ovation, highlighting the appreciation of fans who recognized his talent amid a difficult team season.
General Manager Comments and Future Outlook for Pirates’ Ace
Despite speculation swirling around the league about the possibility of Skenes being traded by July due to the Pirates’ slow start, general manager Ben Cherington dismissed such rumors directly, stating,
“It’s not at all part of the conversation.”
This reassurance points to the organization’s confidence in Skenes as a central figure for their future success.
Skenes’ career earned run average (ERA) stands at an impressive 2.03 at age 23, a mark that places him among some of the most effective pitchers in modern baseball history. Only Dutch Leonard, pitching since ERA was tabulated in 1913, has recorded a lower ERA across a minimum of 200 innings pitched. Such statistics emphasize Skenes’ exceptional level of performance despite the hurdles faced by the Pirates this season.