PITTSBURGH Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes continued to rewrite the record books in his rookie season.
The 22-year-old starter struck out eight batters as the Pirates beat the New York Mets 14-2 on Friday.
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Skenes has made his way in the MLB since being promoted from the minors in May.
He has recorded seven or more strikeouts in nine of his first 10 starts for the franchise, per SI.
This feat has never been achieved by any MLB rookie pitcher.
Skenes’ fastball has proven to be a notable weapon, with the LSU product regularly throwing over 100 mph.
Mets hitters were unable to handle the situation, as Skenes mixed a devilish splitter and slider to continue his strong start to life in the major leagues.
He received a standing ovation after leaving the game after the 7th inning on Friday with the Pirates leading 4-2.
They would later contest two Grand Slams to win emphatic winners at PNC Park.
“Baseball in Pittsburgh is back. Not much else to say about this guy. Just unbelievable,” gasped one fan on the X.
“Even this Reds fan can say I’m impressed. Actually, happy for Pirates fans. Good for them,” said another.
“Future Cy Young winner,” declared a third.
“Even better than advertised,” argued a fourth.
Skenes now has a 5-0 winning record as a starter for the Pirates.
Considered the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, the starter currently boasts an impressive 2.12 ERA.
He also recorded 78 strikeouts in his 10 starts.
Away from baseball, Skenes is dating LSU gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne.
DUNNE AND SKENES’ SUMMER OF LOVE
Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes managed to keep their relationship a secret before finally going public last summer.
The two met at LSU, but it’s unclear when they started dating.
Rumors of a romance began when Dunne watched LSU win the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, last summer.
And Dunne posted selfies from Fort Myers, Fla., where Skenes was playing.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and began his professional career playing in the minor leagues in the Sunshine State.
The final clue came when Dunne posed in a Pirates cap before the pair finally went public.
The pair met during their respective stints in Baton Rouge and had a whirlwind romance.
While Skenes destroyed New York in Pittsburgh, Livvy turned heads in the Big Apple.
The 21-year-old gymnast attended Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons on Thursday.
She rocked a stunning, form-fitting dress for the occasion, while Dunne rubbed shoulders with NFL legend Tom Brady and YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
Dunne won a national championship with the LSU Tigers earlier this year.
A Sports Illustrated model, she has not yet decided whether she will leave gymnastics behind or return for another year.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
