On Thursday night in Detroit, Paul Skenes delivered a strong pitching performance against the Detroit Tigers while encountering an unusual distraction from the team’s mascot, Paws. The mascot attempted to rattle Skenes by holding a sign behind home plate that read “Sup Livvy Dunne” surrounded by hearts, seemingly trying to catch the attention of the social media influencer and gymnast Livvy Dunne.
However, Paws’ playful effort was met with a quick dismissal from Dunne, who publicly declined the mascot’s flirtation. Instead of showing interest, Dunne indicated her focus remains on a different “Tigers”—the LSU Tigers baseball team competing in the College World Series.
Livvy Dunne’s Response and LSU Tigers’ Championship Run
Livvy Dunne responded on social media with a clear message:
Sorry… not my type of Tiger,
—Livvy Dunne
She added a shrugging emoji, underscoring her lack of interest in the Detroit Tigers’ mascot. Dunne has been actively supporting the LSU Tigers, who recently secured a spot in the College World Series championship series against Coastal Carolina after a pivotal win on Wednesday. This advancement brings LSU one step closer to winning its second national championship under head coach Jay Johnson.
The best-of-three championship series opens Saturday, with a potential game on Sunday to clinch the title or a deciding game three planned for Monday night. Dunne has attended most of LSU’s College World Series games, though she has not confirmed whether she will be at the upcoming championship games. LSU’s mascot, Mike the Tiger—which includes both a live tiger in Baton Rouge and a costumed mascot—clearly aligns more with Dunne’s preferences than Paws.
Paul Skenes’ Performance Shines Despite Distraction
Despite Paws’ attempt to disrupt his concentration, Paul Skenes maintained composure and produced a solid start against the Tigers. Over six innings, he allowed two earned runs on five hits and walked five batters. His command generated nine strikeouts, reinforcing his status as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top pitcher. After Thursday’s outing, Skenes’ earned run average stands impressively at 1.85, well below the 2.00 mark.
Offensively, Skenes received better support than usual, with the Pirates scoring four runs before he was taken out. The bullpen now faces the responsibility of preserving the lead and securing a win to credit their ace.
Looking Ahead: Future Encounters and Mascot Strategies
Paws’ attempt to unsettle Skenes seems unlikely to repeat soon, as MLB scheduling means Pittsburgh will not visit Detroit’s Comerica Park for several years. This pause provides the mascot ample time to reconsider its approach or perhaps abandon future distractions aimed at the dominant pitcher. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes remains a formidable force on the mound, continuing to impress with his pitching prowess against the Detroit Tigers and other opponents alike.