Livvy Dunne faces boyfriend Paul Skenes in 'ultimate test of trust' during bullpen session

The former LSU gymnast trades in her leotard for a bat and helmet to help her Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher boyfriend get some work in before spring training.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Livvy Dunne, the former LSU gymnast, was spotted in the right-handed batter's box braving some pitches by her boyfriend Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher, in a video posted on her Instagram Stories. Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, can hit triple digits with his fastball, but he didn't seem to be going 100% as Dunne acted as a training partner for him.

Why it matters

The video showcases the trust and support between the couple, as Dunne puts herself in the line of fire to help Skenes prepare for the upcoming season, including his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Their relationship has been a focus of attention as Skenes has quickly risen to stardom in MLB.

The details

In the video, Dunne is seen standing in the batter's box as Skenes deals his arsenal of pitches. While it didn't look like Skenes was going 100%, Dunne still faced the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner's powerful pitches. Dunne and Skenes have been dating since 2023, and the former has been spotted across the country watching the latter pitch as he built up his stardom in MLB.

  • Dunne and Skenes have been dating since 2023.
  • Skenes was named the top pitcher in the National League this past season after he had a major-league best 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts.
  • Skenes will be representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a star-studded roster for the tournament.

The players

Livvy Dunne

A former LSU gymnast who is the girlfriend of Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes.

Paul Skenes

A Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher who was named the NL Cy Young Award winner this past season after posting a major-league best 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts.

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What they’re saying

“The ultimate test of trust”

— Livvy Dunne

“It's special. Growing up watching the World Baseball Classic as a kid, I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in one. So I told myself, 'If I did get the opportunity to do it, I couldn't pass it up.' Here we are.”

— Paul Skenes

What’s next

Skenes will be representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a star-studded roster for the tournament which will also feature the AL Cy Young Award winner, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, and the reigning AL MVP, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.

The takeaway

The video of Livvy Dunne facing her boyfriend Paul Skenes' powerful pitches showcases the trust and support between the couple as Skenes prepares for the upcoming season, including his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Their relationship has been a focus of attention as Skenes has quickly risen to stardom in MLB.