In the world of sports, there are often moments that make fans go, ‘wow’. For the Pittsburgh Pirates’ star pitcher Paul Skenes, that ‘secret of success’ might be his partner, Olivia Dunne. The gymnast-turned-influencer recently posted a video on her Instagram story that left fans both laughing and applauding, as she hilariously took credit for one of Skenes’ standout moments on the mound. The moment in question? A jaw-dropping cutter from Paul against the Baltimore Orioles that had both fans and analysts raving. And while Skenes’ skill was undoubtedly impressive, Olivia’s caption added a touch of humor and charm: “I taught him that.”

It’s not every day that an Instagram story turns into a viral sensation, but Olivia’s cheeky post struck a chord with fans across social media. She playfully claimed responsibility for his newfound skill, throwing a little self-deprecating humor into the mix. A perfect blend of humor, love, and after all who wouldn’t take a little credit for such a standout performance?

While there’s no doubt that Paul Skenes’ cutter is a result of hours of hard work and dedication, Olivia’s post brings a fresh perspective to the relationship between athletes and their supporters. We often get to hear about the player’s relentless efforts and dedication to succeed, but what’s often overlooked is the network of people supporting them. Now in the case of Olivia and Paul, we aren’t sure whether she truly taught him the pitch or not, but one thing is sure: their playful banter is as entertaining as Skenes’ pitches!

Paul Skenes ignites the 2025 season with a dominant Spring debut

The story of Paul Skenes‘ 2025 season began on a Saturday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium, where the young flamethrower took the mound for the first time. With a stellar 2024 season and as the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, this game was more than just an outing; it was a statement.

The 23-year-old took the mound against the Baltimore Orioles, throwing a fastball that consistently touched 99 mph. His performance in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 5-2 win was a blend of poise, power, and precision. Over three innings, Skenes struck out four, allowed just one run on four hits, and allowed only one walk. It’s not bad for a spring training debut that had been coming for a long time.

Things weren’t always smooth, though. In the first inning, Skenes got his first taste of adversity, walking a batter and giving up a hard single to Adley Rutschman. But the young pitcher known for his composure struck out two batters in a row. Thereafter, his only error was a throwing error that allowed a run. “I thought it was pretty good,” Skenes said, reflecting on his outing and the process of adding new pitches to his arsenal, including a cutter and a two-seam fastball, while adding, “It’s kind of just what happens, body speeds when you get in the game. That can either make your misses smaller or bigger, and I think there were both at times today.”

Even with his natural talent, Skenes is far from satisfied. As his career continues to unfold, it’s clear that Skenes is only scratching the surface of what he’s capable of. Now looking ahead to the 2025 season, he would be poised to repeat the heroics!