Paul Skenes’ time is finally here. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne’s boyfriend will make his debut in the MLB on Saturday, according to latest reports, and fans couldn’t be happier. Last year’s No. 1 draft will be taking on the Cubs at the PNC Park. The right-handed pitcher has been promoted to the majors, and surely enough, the reigning NCAA champ Dunne will be expected to be there for the big day.

Despite their demanding schedules, both Livvy and Paul have extended their support for each other’s careers since they got into a relationship. And now, as her boyfriend waits to step into the field with the big boys, fans believe Dunne’s loyalists will take over the arena this weekend, making it clear that they will be cheering loudly for both the LSU stars.

A recent Instagram post by the official Pittsburg Pirates account announced news of Skenes’ upcoming professional debut emphatically. Captioned “5.11.24“, the post showcases Dunne’s boyfriend’s elite status with a suitable video clip. And, naturally, fans have taken a nosedive into speculations about what role the 2023 SEC champion will play on the day.

Paul Skenes can throw balls at up to 100mph speeds and has conceded only one home run this year with 45 strikeouts. in the Minors this year, the pitcher recorded a 0.99 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis. Mixing in his changeup, curveball, and “splinker” (a sinker-splitter hybrid), Skenes has also enhanced his pitching ability. While his workload has been heavily restricted so far, it looks like the Pirates have decided that it’s time for Skenes to show his mettle on the big stage. As the 2023 D1 Player of the Year waits to make his big debut, fans believe Dunne won’t be too far away from her cheerleading duties.

Fans carry Dunne’s banners high

One  In the comment section of the Pirates’ post, Jay Seline wrote, “About to be National Livy Dunne Day in Pittsburgh.” A few days back, Olivia was asked if she would be present when Paul makes his Majors debut.

Livvy came up with the reply, “If it doesn’t interfere with my schedule, then yes. I do live kind of close in New Jersey on the East Coast, but yeah, I’ll definitely try to be there.” After the conclusion of the National Championship, the LSU gymnast must be having a ton of time on her hands and fans are possibly right to think that her presence is warranted on Saturday. Fans think that Pittsburg will be flooded with Olivia Dunne’s popularity, which can well become even more of a selling point for the MLB team.

Dominic thinks it will be Haleigh Bryant’s teammate who will be drawing the throngs of fans and make the Pirates find their first sold-out arena of the season. “pirates first sellout of the year bc livvy is gonna be there“, the fan doesn’t beat around the bush. However, this popularity is not something the couple wishes to have all the time. Skenes had once pointed out the flipside of it.

“I do wish she could come to a baseball game and just enjoy it. It does irk me. I don’t have any control over it. She really doesn’t either. I’m sure it’ll get better as I go up levels, but that’s something I want for her,” Skenes had said once. But that might not stop Livvy, who was once seen to resort to a mobile phone to see Skenes in action. Myles posted a gif of Dunne where she’s seen celebrating enthusiastically after a Tigers’ win, hinting that this will probably be her emotions on Saturday as Paul once again makes life a misery for the Cubs.

Luke had to state the obvious fact as he commented, “That’s Livvy’s boy“, making sure everyone remembered just how much the day would mean for Dunne as well. However, given Skenes’ performance, he is a star in his own right. But Livvy’s popularity is undeniable.

With 5 million followers on Instagram alone, Livvy is one of the most-followed collegiate athletes in the country, as well as boasting one of the highest NIL valuations (an estimated $3.9 million value makes her second on the list). Justifiably, her status is by no means lesser than the MLB star’s. Hence, Coley’s “Livy and a MLB franchise ace” do justice to the high-profile action that’s about to go down this weekend. What are your predictions about Skenes’ debut match-up? Share your thoughts in the comments!