Pirates' Paul Skenes Suffers Blowout Loss Despite Strong Start, Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Expresses Disappointment

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes witnessed another bullpen meltdown, resulting in a heartbreaking 14-10 defeat to the Chicago Cubs. Skenes' girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, took to social media to express her frustration.

The Pittsburgh Pirates endured a crushing loss on Wednesday afternoon, squandering a comfortable 10-3 lead against the Chicago Cubs and ultimately falling 14-10 at home. The defeat was particularly bitter for Pirates starter Paul Skenes, who had a solid outing on the mound but was let down by his bullpen.

Skenes, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, allowed just two runs on five hits over five innings of work, striking out six batters. In his previous start against the Cubs, Skenes had flashed his potential, striking out seven and topping 100 mph with his fastball 17 times. However, the Cubs would score seven runs in the top of the fifth inning that day, spoiling Skenes' MLB debut.

Pirates' Paul Skenes Suffers Blowout Loss Despite Strong Start, Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Expresses Disappointment

In Wednesday's game, Skenes' strong performance was once again sabotaged by bullpen struggles. Kyle Nicolas, who had pitched a scoreless sixth inning, was forced to exit in the seventh after Christian Bethancourt's two-run homer cut the lead to 10-5.

Things took a turn for the worse in the eighth inning when Aroldis Chapman, who had replaced Nicolas, surrendered three earned runs to make it 10-8. The Pirates were forced to bring in closer David Bednar, but he also struggled, allowing five runs on just three hits and two walks, blowing his sixth save of the year.

Pirates' Paul Skenes Suffers Blowout Loss Despite Strong Start, Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Expresses Disappointment

The Cubs exploded for six runs in the top of the ninth, taking a four-run lead that sealed the victory. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Skenes, who has now witnessed two bullpen meltdowns that have cost him wins.

Skenes' girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, a social media sensation and LSU gymnast, expressed her disappointment with the outcome. She posted a meme of Skenes, captioned "You gotta be kidding me," from his previous blowup start against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this season.

Pirates' Paul Skenes Suffers Blowout Loss Despite Strong Start, Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Expresses Disappointment

Dunne's reaction echoed the sentiments of many Pirates fans, who were left stunned by the collapse. The bullpen has been a major weakness for Pittsburgh throughout the season, and Wednesday's game was another glaring example of their struggles.

Despite Skenes' impressive performance, the Pirates were unable to secure the victory, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of both the team and their fans. The young pitcher will look to bounce back in his next outing and prove that he can overcome the bullpen woes that have plagued the Pirates this season.