**Paul Skenes Shines in Front of Supportive Crowd at Citi Field**
**Meta Description:** Paul Skenes takes the mound for the Pirates against the Mets, with girlfriend Livvy Dunne and friends cheering him on at Citi Field.
**URL Slug:** paul-skenes-pirates-mets-citi-field
The spotlight was on Paul Skenes as he took the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on Monday, facing off against the first-place New York Mets. Skenes, widely regarded as one of the best young pitchers in Major League Baseball, was supported by his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, who attended the game. Dunne, a former gymnast and Sports Illustrated model, grew up just under 30 miles from the Mets’ home stadium and was excited to witness Skenes’ sophomore season.
Dunne, who recently concluded her gymnastics career, brought along friends Camille Kostek, Ellie Thumann, and Xandra Pohl, all of whom participated in the ceremonial first pitch. The models showcased their enthusiasm by throwing out the first pitches to players Mark Vientos, Tyrone Taylor, and Huascar Brazoban, even snapping a selfie before the game. Despite her boyfriend pitching against the Mets, Dunne proudly donned a Mets jersey gifted to her by the team.
Last season, Skenes finished third in the National League Cy Young Award voting and was named the NL Rookie of the Year. He made history as the first rookie to start an All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995, boasting an impressive 1.96 ERA and averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings. However, his performance this season has seen a slight dip, with a 2.77 ERA entering Monday’s game.
This matchup marked Skenes’ first start following the firing of Pirates manager Derek Shelton, a decision that came after the team struggled with a 12-26 record. Skenes expressed that while the change was not surprising, it ultimately falls on the players to improve their performance. “We’re 12-26. Someone’s gotta be held accountable,” he stated. “Unfortunately, right now, it’s him. But we just need to play better.”
As for the Mets, they entered the game with a strong record of 26-15, tied for the second-best in the league alongside the Detroit Tigers, and trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the Mets in last season’s National League Championship Series.
In conclusion, Paul Skenes continues to be a rising star in baseball, with a supportive network cheering him on as he navigates the challenges of his sophomore season.
**FAQ:**
*What is Paul Skenes’ current ERA this season?*
Paul Skenes has a 2.77 ERA entering his latest start, showing solid performance despite a slight decline from his previous season.
