Former LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne found herself at the center of a social media buzz after a viral moment during a Pittsburgh Pirates game. During the contest, Dunne had her arms over her head as she watched her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, pitch, revealing her sweaty armpits. The incident quickly gained traction online, with some users joking about the ‘pit’ in Pittsburgh, a reference to the team’s name and its association with the sport of baseball.
Dunne took to the conversation with a quip, responding to a user’s comment by saying, ‘You’d break a sweat too being a Pirates fan.’ Her witty retort not only addressed the online taunt but also brought attention to the team’s current struggles. The Pittsburgh Pirates, with a record of 70-9, have not made the playoffs since 2015, and their performance this season has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Skenes, the Pirates’ rookie sensation, has been a bright spot for the team. As the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, he has shown promise with a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 32 games. However, despite his impressive stats, Skenes has faced challenges, as the Pirates have struggled to provide run support for their star pitcher. In an interview, Skenes acknowledged the team’s difficulties, stating, ‘I’m actually worse than I was last year.’ He also expressed confidence in his abilities, adding, ‘No, it’s cool. I don’t come into the year with any numerical goals.’
The Pirates’ struggles have not gone unnoticed, and their recent performance has led to some unexpected developments. During the game against the Cincinnati Reds, the team announced that Skenes had set a franchise record for most strikeouts in a single season by a right-handed pitcher. This achievement, while impressive, did not come without its challenges, as the team’s overall performance has been less than stellar. As the season progresses, the Pirates’ ability to build a competitive roster and support their star players will be crucial to their success.
As the Pirates continue their season, the spotlight on Skenes and the team’s performance remains a key topic for fans. The recent viral moment involving Dunne adds a personal dimension to the broader narrative of the team’s efforts to return to contention. Whether or not the Pirates can make the playoffs in the near future will depend on their ability to overcome both on-field and off-field challenges.