The Major League Baseball Home Run Derby is underway Monday night in Atlanta, featuring some of the most powerful hitters in the league. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates is one of the competitors, aiming to leverage his exceptional bat speed and exit velocity to launch balls over the fences at Truist Park. Fans and teammates alike are watching closely as Cruz attempts to claim the $1 million prize.
Cruz’s support network includes his teammate Paul Skenes and Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, who were spotted cheering him on from the stands. Their presence highlights the camaraderie and encouragement within the Pirates organization during this marquee event.
Strong Endorsement from Paul Skenes Fuels Cruz’s Momentum
During the Home Run Derby introductions, ESPN captured a moment featuring Skenes and Dunne alongside Cruz. Cruz’s entrance was energized by a hype speech from Pat McAfee, setting the stage for a competitive night. Earlier, the Pirates shared a video in which Skenes predicted Cruz’s performance, emphasizing the unique talent Cruz brings to this contest.
Skenes praised Cruz’s natural ability by stating,
“It’s going to be a long night for me. Because I’ll be sticking with him until the end. He’s got the gift that nobody else does in the Derby, I think. He’ll just be able to flick balls out.”
—Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher
Skenes’ confidence reflects the belief that Cruz’s extraordinary skill set could give him a distinctive advantage among a field of elite sluggers.
Paul Skenes: The Supporting Ace on the Mound
Though Skenes is not taking part in the Home Run Derby himself, his role as a key player for the Pirates remains significant. Known primarily for his impressive pitching velocity rather than home run power, Skenes has built a reputation as an ace on the mound. His skills earned him a starting nod for the National League in Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game, a prestigious role awarded by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
This will be Skenes’ second consecutive season opening the All-Star Game, underscoring his rising profile. With the game hosted in Atlanta, Skenes and Dunne will again be in the spotlight as she continues to support him at key appearances.
Livvy Dunne’s Growing Presence at Baseball Events
Livvy Dunne has become a familiar figure at events where Skenes participates, recently attending one of his starts in Minnesota. There, the Minnesota Twins entertained fans with a celebrity look-alike segment, humorously pairing Dunne with herself on the videoboard. Her appearances add a personal and popular dimension to Skenes’ baseball career, drawing additional interest and fan engagement.
With the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game taking place in Atlanta, there is anticipation that Dunne will continue to make her presence felt as one of baseball’s most recognized and admired couples.
The Stakes and What’s Next After the Derby
Oneil Cruz’s participation in the Home Run Derby offers a unique opportunity to showcase his power and skill on a national stage, backed by enthusiastic support from teammates like Paul Skenes and admirers such as Livvy Dunne. The event serves as both a celebration of athletic prowess and a competitive test among the league’s top hitters.
Following the Derby, attention will quickly shift to the All-Star Game, where Skenes is set to demonstrate his pitching excellence. Together, Cruz and Skenes represent rising talents within the Pirates organization, each making their mark in distinct but complementary ways during this MLB midseason celebration.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first heard from Fanatics Collect on January 2. Nineteen days after that, Topps revealed that an 11-year-old collector found the Skenes card in one hobby box.
Q. What’s so special about Paul Skenes?
A. He was the first pitcher in the Modern Era to achieve 150 strikeouts and maintain an ERA below 2.00 in his initial 22 career games. Since the earned run average (ERA) became an official statistic in 1913, only one other pitcher, Steve Rogers, had a lower ERA than this during their first 22 starts in 1973-74, with a 1.95 ERA. He achieved these milestones while making his…