Livvy Dunne owns Tigers mascot on social media for Paul Skenes troll attempt

As Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes took the mound at Comerica Park in the series finale against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, fans and reporters noticed something – more specifically, someone – in the seats behind home plate.

It was the Tigers' mascot, Paws, holding up a large sign decorated with hand-drawn hearts that read, “Sup, Livvy Dunne?”

Dunne, of course, is Skenes' girlfriend, who recently appeared on the cover of the 2025 edition of SI Swimsuit. She also took notice of Paws' sign, which was presumably an attempt to distract Skenes while he was on the mound, and responded with a perfect, six-word clap back.

"Sorry," Dunne posted on X. "Not my type of tiger."

The quip was made in reference to the LSU Tigers, as Dunne and Skenes met while attending college there. The couple recently took a trip to Omaha on the Pirates' off day before the start of the Detroit series to watch their alma mater compete in the second round of the College World Series.

Paws even responded to Dunne's post, admitting defeat with two simple words: "Shooters shoot."

Paul Skenes delivers another strong start in Pirates' 8-4 win over Tigers

Despite Paws' best efforts to distract Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year delivered his Major League-leading 12th quality start to help lead the Pirates to an 8-4 victory over the Tigers in extra innings.

Skenes tossed six innings of two-run ball, walking five batters but striking out nine. He exited the game with the lead, but Isaac Mattson quickly gave up a pair of runs in relief to allow the Tigers to tie the game in the seventh inning. Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana and David Bednar combined to hold the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the game, and the Pirates' offense came alive (very) late to secure the win in the 10th inning.

Skenes' record on the season remains at 4-6 after Bednar was credited with the win on Thursday. Despite rarely getting run support from his teammates, Skenes currently holds a 1.85 ERA and is the frontrunner to win the NL Cy Young Award. Yes, the LSU Tiger is the best pitcher in baseball. Not that Detroit Tiger.

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