Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' promising pitcher, is making headlines not just for his on-field performance but also for his relationship with gymnast and social media influencer, Livvy Dunne. Following a stellar rookie season where he boasted an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, Skenes expressed aspirations to lead the Pirates to the post-season. His girlfriend, Dunne, adds a personal touch to his game day rituals, cheering him on with a superstition of shouting 'Let’s go, Paul' before every pitch.

In an interview with GQ, Skenes shared insights into his journey from the Air Force Academy to LSU, where he helped lead the team to a College World Series title. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding baseball schedule with a high-profile relationship, Skenes appreciates having Dunne by his side as they navigate the complexities of fame.

In a revealing GQ Sports interview, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne shared insights about her relationship with former Tigers pitcher Paul Skenes. Initially, their romance almost faltered due to Skenes not following her back on Instagram, which left Dunne perplexed. Their official relationship blossomed as Skenes excelled in baseball, culminating in his first-overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB Draft.

Since then, Skenes has made a mark in the MLB, even starting in the 2024 All-Star Game and clinching the Rookie of the Year award. Meanwhile, Dunne, despite facing a season-ending injury, continues to support her team as they aim to defend their national title in the upcoming NCAA postseason.

Paul Skenes showcased his versatility on the mound, delivering a strong 7.0-inning performance that didn’t rely solely on strikeouts, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates secure a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, thus snapping their four-game losing streak. The Pirates managed to jump to an early lead, thanks to a clutch two-out RBI single from Adam Frazier, scoring Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Notably, Oneil Cruz contributed significantly with a towering home run in the fifth inning, marking his second of the season.

The main MLB slate kicks off at 1:10 PM ET, featuring 10 games and top-notch pitchers, including Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The quality of the pitching pool has improved with many teams returning their aces. Skenes leads with a price tag of $10,300, while Skubal is slightly cheaper at $10,000, making him the preferred choice due to his potential for longer outings and higher win probability.

Dylan Cease sits at $9,300, touted for his strong strikeout potential and favorable matchup against Ben Lively. Other pitchers to keep an eye on include Freddy Peralta and Sonny Gray, both expected to perform well based on recent stats. For value picks, Ryan Pepiot against the struggling Pirates and Sean Burke as a low-cost option are also viable.

Hitting-wise, Fernando Tatis Jr. is notable for his strong form, while stacks like the New York Mets versus Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals against Toronto Blue Jays could offer substantial returns. The games promise exciting matchups and an opportunity for fantasy players to capitalize on pitcher and hitter performances.