Livvy Dunne on boyfriend Paul Skenes being pulled from potential no-hitter: 'I don't blame them'

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie RHP Paul Skenes had a no-hitter through seven innings against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, but didn’t get a chance to finish off history.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton yanked him after 99 pitches, bringing an end to his bid to become the 26th rookie in MLB history to hurl a no-hitter. Shelton’s decision to pull Skenes was controversial to say the least, and even drew a reaction from Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne. Dunne, speaking at Thursday’s 2024 ESPY Awards, commented on Skenes not getting the chance to complete his no-hitter.

.@livvydunne discusses Paul Skenes getting pulled from a no-hitter after seven innings ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/1gNRgiC1NH

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 12, 2024

“You know what, it would have been a cool accolade to say that you threw a no-hitter your rookie year, but also, you gotta make that arm last long,” Dunne told Sports Illustrated. “So, I don’t blame them.”

Shelton said that Skenes’ pitch count didn’t play a role in his decision to take him out of the game.

“It didn’t really have anything to do with the pitch count,” Shelton said. “Everyone makes it about pitch count. It was about where he was at. It was about trusting your eyes, trusting him. When I went to talk to him after that, he was tired. They did a good job of wearing him down, and he gave us everything he had.”

Paul Skenes setting records in rookie campaign

Though Skenes didn’t get credit for his no-hitter, he did make a bit of history in Thursday’s start. Skenes struck out 11 batters, becoming the first pitcher since at least 1901 to record seven punchouts or more in 10 of his first 11 career starts. He is also just the second-ever pitcher to have multiple starts with no hits allowed and at least 11 strikeouts in a single season. Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is the only other pitcher to accomplish the feat.

Skenes admitted he would have liked the chance to finish the game.

“Yeah, definitely wanted to finish it,” Skenes said. “But throwing every five days, six days, whatever it is now, definitely understand that side of it.”

Skenes has simply been arguably the best pitcher in baseball since his early May call-up. In 11 starts, he’s tallied a 1.90 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 13 walks in 66.1 innings pitched. He earned a National League All-Star selection and could very well be in line to start the All-Star Game this coming Tuesday at Globe Life Field.