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For most couples, there is a loss of trust. For Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne, trust is built elsewhere.
The former LSU star gymnast traded in a leotard for a bat and helmet as she helped her Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher boyfriend find work before the start of spring training.
In a video posted to her Instagram Stories, Dunne was seen in the right-handed batter’s box braving a few pitches from Skenes, who can hit triple digits with his fastball on a whim.
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Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates watches the selection show with his girlfriend Olivia Dunne during the announcement of the 2024 ROY National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award on Monday, November 18, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Lucas Casel/MLB photos via Getty Images)
Even though it didn’t look like Skenes was going 100%, Dunne still stood in the batter’s box, acting as a practice partner for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner as he dished out his arsenal of pitches.
“The ultimate test of confidence,” Dunne captioned his post.
Dunne and Skenes have been dating since 2023, and the former was spotted across the country watching the second pitch as he quickly built his stardom in the MLB.
LIVVY DUNNE CELEBRATES PAUL SKENES’ CY YOUNG AWARD
Skenes was named the National League’s best pitcher last season after posting a major league-best 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts. He was named to his second All-Star team during his sophomore year, becoming the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to win the Cy Young Award after winning the Rookie of the Year award.
Dunne celebrated her boyfriend’s latest achievement on X by saying: “Cy Young Skenes sounds good.” She was also spotted alongside friends and family celebrating Skenes’ victory on the selection show following the 2025 season.
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Livvy Dunne pose for a photo during the 2024 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Frutitas Agua Fresca at Globe Life Field North Plaza on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Before Skenes begins his third MLB season, he will represent the United States at the World Baseball Classic, joining a star-studded roster for the tournament that also includes AL Cy Young Award winner Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and reigning AL MVP New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
“It’s special,” Skenes told local reporters at Citi Field last season after announcing on MLB Network that he would play in the 2026 WBC. “Growing up watching the World Baseball Classic as a kid, I never thought I would have the opportunity to play there. So I thought, ‘If I had the opportunity to do it, I couldn’t pass it up.’ We are there.”
So, these bullpen reps with Dunne are crucial considering Skenes will be ramping things up much sooner in hopes of winning the WBC in his first go-around.
Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Livvy Dunne pose for a photo during the 2025 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Deer Park at Battery Ave on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Skenes has been nothing short of exceptional on the mound since entering the league after a college career at Air Force and LSU.
He owns a career ERA of 1.96 with 386 strikeouts in 320.2 innings in 55 starts.
