BASEBALL’S newest star Paul Skenes has revealed his favorite meal before every game, which has surprised his teammates.
Pitcher Skenes, whose girlfriend is Olivia Dunne, made his MLB debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates last week.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft impressed with seven strikeouts in four innings.
Now he’s spilled the beans about his livelihood ahead of the game during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I got some crap from some guys before my last [start] because I just ate a huge plate of chicken Alfredo a few hours before it came out,” Skenes said.
“And they’re basically telling me they wouldn’t even be able to go out and play, they’d just be sitting on the toilet if they ate this before the ride.
“But that’s exactly what I do…it helps me maintain my energy.”
Skenes is said to burn 5,000 calories per game, and while playing college basketball at LSU, he would often eat half a container of honey per game to stay adequately fueled.
“Certified carb loader,” wrote one person on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.
Meanwhile, Skenes told MLB Network how much Dunne helped him as his stardom grew.
“It’s been great, she’s helped me in a lot of ways in terms of managing all the enthusiasm, I think, and how to manage everything that goes with being a professional athlete, because she’s kind of lived it. So it’s been great,” Skenes said.
Dunne watched Skenes make his MLB debut as the Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 10-9.
She was interviewed by Sportsnet Pittsburgh during the game and said how “proud” she was on such a big day.
“I felt a little nervous at first, but I kind of channeled it into excitement instead of nervousness, and I just have more confidence in him,” she said.
“I just trust him and what he’s invested in, and I’m really excited.
“It’s incredible, the support here is incredible.
The guys told me they wouldn’t even be able to go out and pitch.
Paulo Skenes
“Pittsburgh has been very welcoming. Just seeing people wearing Air Force stuff, LSU stuff, Skenes t-shirts.
“I have so many incredible memories with him, but I know how hard he worked for this moment.
“This is probably one of my favorite moments I’ve ever seen, seriously, there’s nothing that can top this. I’m so proud.”
Dunne is one of the highest-earning college athletes in the country and is currently in her fifth and final year at LSU.
She was part of the LSU Tigers gymnastics team that recently won the NCAA title.
It’s not surprising that comparisons have been made between Skenes and Dunne to NFL star Travis Kelce and music icon Taylor Swift, whose relationship has dominated sports and entertainment coverage in recent months.
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