Paul Skenes and his girlfriend, Olivia Dunne, are partaking in the All-Star excitement surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates’ second All-Star game at Truist Park in Atlanta. Ahead of the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, the couple attended the highly anticipated MLB Home Run Derby on Monday, highlighting the celebrations. The Paul Skenes All-Star Home Run Derby appearance added to the excitement for fans of the Pirates and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Oneil Cruz Steals the Show with Historic Home Run
Oneil Cruz, a teammate of Paul Skenes with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was a focal point of the Home Run Derby due to his well-known hitting strength. Making his first appearance in the Derby, Cruz shocked spectators by hitting a massive 513-foot home run in the opening round. This remarkable feat not only stunned fans but also set a new record as the longest home run ever hit in the competition outside of Coors Field.
Olivia Dunne, visibly amazed by Cruz’s impressive hit, shared her reaction on social media. “Holy c***,” she wrote on her Instagram story, accompanied by a video clip of the massive blast. Cruz’s powerful performance, including a total of 21 home runs in the round, secured his advancement while breaking the Pirates’ record previously held by Josh Bell with 18 home runs in the event.
Arrival and Anticipation for Key All-Star Matchups
Earlier in the weekend, Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne made a stylish entrance in Atlanta aboard a private jet, touching down at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport on Sunday evening. Skenes, named National League starter for the second year running and the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is preparing to pitch a scoreless inning during the All-Star game. He faces a significant challenge against Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, a strong candidate for the American League Cy Young Award this season.
Olivia Dunne, formerly an LSU gymnast, captured the excitement in an Instagram story, expressing their enthusiasm for the event with the caption, “All-Star game bound.”
The Significance of the Derby Record and What’s Next
Oneil Cruz’s record-breaking 513-foot home run established a new benchmark for power hitting outside Coors Field in the Home Run Derby, underscoring his emerging status as a key player for the Pirates. This achievement not only boosts Cruz’s confidence but also adds to the growing excitement around the Pirates’ talent ahead of the All-Star game. As Paul Skenes takes the mound on Tuesday, the momentum from Cruz’s Derby success and the strong support from fans and loved ones alike set the stage for a memorable All-Star weekend in Atlanta.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first spoke with Fanatics Collect on January 2. Just 19 days afterward, Topps revealed that an 11-year-old collector discovered the Skenes card in a hobby box.
Q. What’s so special about Paul Skenes?
A. He was the first modern-era pitcher to achieve 150 strikeouts and maintain an ERA below 2.00 in his first 22 games. Since earned run averages were officially documented in 1913, only Steve Rogers had a lower ERA during his initial 22 starts from 1973 to 1974, with an ERA of 1.95.