Olivia Dunne a Curse: Paul Skenes impresses in rare start as Olivia Dunne’s absence sparks superstition
After Paul Skenes’ eagerly anticipated MLB debut, some baseball fans weren’t overly impressed. Although he recorded seven strikeouts, demonstrating his impressive arm strength, he ultimately gave up six hits in 4.0 innings pitched, surrendering three earned runs. However, Skenes’s follow-up effectively silenced all of the haters.
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In what is maybe the most famous stadium in MLB history, Skenes made some history. At Wrigley Field, he became the pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates with the most strikeouts in a single start. Taking into account that the two clubs have faced off for about 2,600 games, this is a rather remarkable feat.
For the second time ever, Paul Skenes allows no hits.
After pitching 6.0 innings without giving up a hit, Skenes struck out 11 Cubs batters. When the 21-year-old’s pitch count reached 100 at the end of the sixth inning, he was lifted from the game to prevent further strain on his arm. Skenes demonstrated his extraordinary talent, but the bullpen was unable to complete the no-hit attempt.
Paul Skenes' 11 strikeouts today are the most EVER by a Pirates starting pitcher at Wrigley Field. https://t.co/XxYbSneqgE
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 17, 2024
Many people are going to start calling Skenes’ girlfriend Olivia Dunne a “bad luck charm” after his performance. Dunne was there for Skenes’s first start in Pittsburgh, but he wasn’t there when Skenes dominated in Chicago.
More about Paul Skenes
Pitcher Paul Skenes, an American, pitches for the Major League Baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a collegiate baseball player for the LSU Tigers and Air Force Falcons.
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Skenes spent his early years in Orange County, California, where he went to El Toro High School and participated in three varsity baseball seasons. Born from a military family, Skenes attended the US Air Force Academy before winning the 2022 John Olerud Award, which goes to the top two-way player in college baseball.
Before entering his junior year, Skenes moved to LSU, where he earned the Dick Howser Trophy, the Southeastern Conference and National Pitcher of the Year awards. As a member of the LSU pitching staff, Skenes won the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award while the club won the Men’s College World Series in 2023.
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One of the most anticipated prospects going into the 2023 MLB draft, Skenes is regarded by some as the best pitching prospect to come out of the draft since Stephen Strasburg. The Pirates selected Skenes first overall, and he agreed to a $9.2 million bonus. In May 2024, he debuted with the MLB.
