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Pete Alonso and Haley Alonso (Image via IG)

Pete Alonso’s free agency shift became one of the week’s biggest stories after the All-Star infielder signed a five year, 155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. His departure closed a long and lively chapter with the New York Mets, a team he grew up in as both a player and a person. The move also stirred deep feelings at home. Haeley Alonso shared a message that quietly captured the meaning of the years they spent in New York and how much the city shaped their life together.Her post did not read like a farewell to a fan base. It read like someone touching an old memory and realizing how full those years truly were. She chose a picture from his 2019 rookie season, a moment when everything felt new and uncertain. That image became the center of her reflection as she looked back on the start of their journey in baseball’s biggest market.

Haeley’s goodbye message reveals the moments that made New York feel like home for the Alonsos

Haeley wrote, “I was looking back at pictures and videos last night of our past 7 years in New York to go down memory lane as we close out this chapter and enter a new one. As I was getting close to the beginning of my photos, I came across this picture I took of Pete after his debut game back in 2019. Admittedly, I burst into tears because it so vividly brought me back to that exact moment. Seeing him so dirty, so exhausted but it was the happiest I had ever seen him.“Her words showed how clearly she remembers that night. It was not the stats or the noise in the stadium. It was the look on his face when he walked off the field, tired yet thrilled, stepping into a future neither of them could fully imagine then.She continued, “We fell in love with New York City and lived in Manhattan for 6 years. We fell in love with the fans and their passion. Sometimes glowing, sometimes… spirited but always heartfelt. We loved this team. His teammates, coaches, staff… truly everyone. We made lifelong friends over the years and l’m forever grateful for that. Just so grateful for all of it Thank you for loving Pete.”Her message turned their exit into something gentle. A reminder that even when careers move forward, the memories stay with them, shaped by a city that gave them their first baseball home.Also read: Fans can’t stop talking as Adrian Morejon and wife Melany’s cozy pictures with a sunset moment win hearts online

A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Royal Caribbean alleges that the body of a California man was stored in a refrigerator for the remainder of a three-day cruise after he died following a violent restraint by ship security. The complaint claims the man, 35-year-old Michael Virgil, had been served 33 alcoholic drinks under the cruise line’s unlimited beverage package before becoming severely intoxicated and entering a distressed state that led to a fatal confrontation with crew members.According to the lawsuit, Virgil was travelling with his fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their 7-year-old autistic son on a short holiday cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada in December 2024. After consuming numerous drinks at one of the ship’s bars, he became disoriented, unable to find his cabin and increasingly agitated. The complaint states that he then erupted into a rage, allegedly threatening passengers and crew members.Security staff allegedly tackled Virgil, held him face-down with several guards applying their full body weight, and used pepper spray before administering an injection of the sedative Haloperidol. The autopsy later reported that while his blood alcohol level was high, it was “not lethal on its own.” The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxiation, respiratory failure and cardiopulmonary arrest associated with restraint.Aguilar’s lawyer says that after Virgil died, she pleaded with the ship’s officers to return to port, but the request was denied. Instead, the lawsuit alleges that staff placed his body in a refrigeration unit and continued the voyage for multiple days until the ship’s scheduled return to Los Angeles. Cruise ships typically have a small morgue, but the suit asserts that Royal Caribbean did not use standard procedures in this case.The family’s attorney has compared Virgil’s death to high-profile restraint-related fatalities, arguing that prolonged compression on his back and neck prevented him from breathing. He maintains that over-serving alcohol contributed to the crisis but was not the primary cause of death, emphasising the role of physical restraint.Royal Caribbean has not publicly addressed the full allegations contained in the complaint. The lawsuit accuses the company of negligence, excessive force, failure to follow safety protocols and improper handling of Virgil’s remains. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny over how cruise lines manage intoxicated passengers, onboard violence and medical emergencies at sea.

The Perth Scorchers, led by captain Sophie Devine, completed a late-season surge and navigated the challenging Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 finals structure to earn their place in the Grand Final against the Hobart Hurricanes. Having finished the league stage in third position, the Scorchers had to win two do-or-die elimination matches to secure their spot.

Perth Scorchers Women’s flawless WBBL|11 campaign under Perth Scorchers

Key player Contributions

• Beth Mooney: The tournament’s leading run-scorer was the team’s anchor, delivering match-winning innings in all three crucial final stage games.
• Sophie Devine (Captain): Provided crucial all-round stability and leadership, finishing as the team’s top wicket-taker for the season with 15 scalps. Her bowling was vital in restricting opponents in the knockout stages.
• Alana King: The leg-spinner delivered a match-defining performance in the Challenger with figures of 3 wickets for 17 runs, trapping the Sixers’ biggest hitters.

Perth Scorchers Women’s road to the final’ in WBBL 2025: All 12 matches

The Perth Scorchers, captained by Sophie Devine, fought through a streaky league campaign (6 Wins, 4 Losses) before dominating the knockout stage to earn their place in the WBBL|11 Grand Final. Their complete journey is detailed below.

Match 1: Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers (The Dominant Opener)

The Scorchers kicked off their campaign in spectacular fashion against the Sydney Sixers, securing an emphatic 10-wicket victory. The bowlers set up the win by restricting the Sixers’ formidable batting lineup to a low total. Openers Beth Mooney and Katie Mack then completed the chase without losing a single wicket, sending a powerful statement about the team’s intent and opening dominance.

Match 2: Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat (First Win with the Ball)

The Scorchers secured their second consecutive win with a 23-run victory over the Brisbane Heat. Batting first, the Scorchers posted a competitive total powered by strong top-order contributions. Captain Sophie Devine then led the bowling attack, delivering a crucial spell to stifle the Heat’s chase and ensure a comfortable victory, proving the depth of their bowling unit.

Match 3: Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars (First Loss)

The winning streak was temporarily halted in Match 3 as the Scorchers succumbed to a 16-run defeat against the Melbourne Stars. Chasing a challenging target, the Scorchers’ batters struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined Stars bowling attack, resulting in their first loss of the campaign.

Match 4: Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers (DLS Victory)

In a rain-affected match, the Scorchers secured their third win against the Adelaide Strikers by 9 runs (DLS Method). The Scorchers bowled first, dismissing the Strikers for 112, with Sophie Devine starring with superb figures of 3/12. When rain interrupted the chase, the Scorchers were ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score, securing the vital two points.

Match 5: Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder (Heavy Defeat)

This match marked the heaviest defeat of their season, as the Scorchers suffered a huge nine-wicket loss against the Sydney Thunder. Their batting unit failed to post a competitive total, which the Thunder’s batters chased down with ruthless efficiency and time to spare, exposing an area of concern early in the campaign.

Match 6: Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers (The One-Run Thriller Win)

In a very tight, nerve-wracking match, the Scorchers secured a dramatic one-run victory over the Adelaide Strikers. After posting a defendable total, the game went down to the final ball, where the Scorchers bowlers held their nerve under extreme pressure to seal the close win—a critical victory that proved their clutch performance ability.

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

Match 7: Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades (The Mid-Season Revival Win)

The Scorchers stopped the slide and regained crucial footing with a key four-wicket victory over the Melbourne Renegades. Chasing a competitive target, the Scorchers’ middle order successfully navigated the chase. Sophie Devine was instrumental in both innings, guiding the team to a much-needed victory that ended their losing streak and revitalized their push for the finals.

Match 8: Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes (Toughest Loss)

The Scorchers suffered a major setback with a seven-wicket defeat against the table-topping Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes successfully chased down the Scorchers’ target, inflicting a tough loss that further complicated the Scorchers’ path to the final.

Match 9: Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades (Back-to-Back Win)

The Scorchers secured a third straight victory, winning by 30 runs against the Melbourne Renegades. They posted a challenging score, and the bowling unit, spearheaded by the effective four wicket haul by Sophie Devine, strangled the Renegades’ chase. The team demonstrated collective strength, with multiple players contributing to what became a comfortable defense of their total.

Match 10: Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat (Clinching the Final Spot)

In their final league match—a must-win situation—the Scorchers delivered under pressure, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat. Chasing a testing target, Beth Mooney put on a masterclass, hitting an unbeaten 94 to single-handedly anchor the innings and steer the team home. This crucial win secured their 3rd-place finish and their spot in the finals.

The Knockout: Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars (Elimination Victory)

The Scorchers hosted the 4th-placed Melbourne Stars in an elimination match and delivered a strong performance to win by 28 runs. A high total of 173 was set up by a solid opening partnership between Mooney and Katie Mack. The Scorchers’ bowlers then applied the squeeze effectively, with key spells from Sophie Devine, ensuring the Stars never threatened the target, and propelling the Scorchers to the next final.

The Challenger: Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers (Sealing the Grand Final Spot)

In the do-or-die Challenger match, the Scorchers travelled to Sydney and triumphed over the 2nd-placed Sydney Sixers by 11 runs. Batting first, they posted a massive 183/8, headlined by a spectacular 76-run innings from Beth Mooney. The Scorchers successfully defended the total, with Alana King’s three-wicket haul being decisive in breaking the Sixers’ resistance. This victory secured their Grand Final berth against the Hobart Hurricanes.

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s remarks on ‘feeling low’ returns after her wedding setback with Palash Muchhal

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain on Friday claimed that deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar will become chief minister after the ongoing winter session of the state legislature, adding fuel to speculation over a possible leadership change within the ruling party.Speaking to reporters, the Ramanagara MLA confirmed that he attended a late-night dinner with Shivakumar and several ministers and legislators. He dismissed suggestions that the meeting was a show of strength. “MLAs from various constituencies have come for the session; it is a rare opportunity for all of us to meet. During the session, we meet each other. We had dinner together. What’s there in that? Can having food together be called a show of strength?” he said.Asked whether Shivakumar shared any political developments during the gathering, Hussain responded, “I’m giving the good news. He will become (CM) after the session, he will become. What’s wrong with it?” He added, “….Shivakumar will get a chance, he will become the chief minister now.”Hussain said 50 to 55 Congress legislators attended the dinner. While party leaders described it as a casual meeting, it took place amid heightened speculation over a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, particularly after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.Reacting to remarks that Shivakumar’s elevation would depend on destiny, Hussain said, “Everything will happen if the god has written in one’s fate…. We are all confident that Shivakumar has a chance for his efforts, struggle, and organising the party. We have told the same to the high command, the high command will decide.”The MLA reiterated that the Congress remains disciplined and that the final decision on the chief ministership rests with the central leadership. “Numbers are not important here. We should be committed to the decision they make. They have said that everyone should abide by the party discipline and abide by their decision. This is the party culture, too. We will abide by their decision,” he said.The Congress high command has recently attempted to contain the leadership friction, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar holding breakfast meetings at each other’s residences. The gesture was seen as a signal that Siddaramaiah would continue as chief minister for now, particularly with the Belagavi legislature session underway. The session, which began on December 8, will continue until December 19.

Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar and over 30 Congress legislators, including some ministers, met for a dinner late on Thursday night, party sources told PTI.Ministers K H Muniyappa, Mankal Vaidya, Dr M C Sudhakar, MLAs N A Haris, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, H C Balakrishna, Ganesh Hukkeri, Darshan Dhruvanarayana, Ashok Kumar Rai, K Y Nanjegowda were among those present in the meeting, the sources added.Expelled BJP MLAs ST Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar also attended the dinner, they said.The dinner meeting came a day after CM Siddaramaiah, along with ministers and a few legislators considered close to him, met for a dinner hosted by former Belagavi North MLA Feroz Sait.Though leaders term it a casual dinner meeting, speculation is rife as it had taken place amid a power tussle in the ruling party, over the CM post.There were speculations about a change in chief minister when the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, as it was believed that there was a powersharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the grand old party won the Assembly election in 2023.As the government crossed this crucial date, activities intensified in Congress, and both the CM and the Deputy CM met over breakfast at each other’s residences, on the instructions of the high command. This was seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah’s continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.

Jitesh Sharma’s lucky escape against South Africa (Screengrabs)

NEW DELHI: In the second T20I match of the five-match series between India and South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma experienced an unusual moment at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday.Jitesh Sharma, who currently serves as India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter in T20Is after Sanju Samson’s omission from the playing XI, represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in domestic cricket.

Known for his exceptional hitting abilities, particularly during death overs, Jitesh Sharma typically bats in the lower order to maximise his aggressive strokeplay.During the match’s 15th over, a remarkable incident occurred when Ottneil Baartman delivered a length ball on off-stump. Sharma, who could only score 27 off 17, attempted to hit the ball but missed completely. The ball touched the bail and rolled it over, yet surprisingly, the bail remained in place, allowing Sharma to continue batting.Watch:Despite Jitesh’s lucky escape, South Africa secured a 51-run victory against India in the second T20 match. After winning the toss, South Africa posted a score of 213-4, while India was dismissed for 162 in 19.1 overs, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.The South African team made three changes following their previous match, where they recorded their lowest-ever T20 total of 74 runs. India maintained their unchanged lineup from their 101-run victory in the series opener.Quinton de Kock delivered an impressive performance, scoring 90 runs off 46 balls, including seven sixes and five fours. His innings came to an end when he was run out following quick work by Indian wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.South Africa finished strongly in the final three overs, adding 49 runs to their total. Donovan Ferreira remained unbeaten with 30 runs from 16 balls, including two sixes against Jasprit Bumrah in the final over. David Miller also contributed with an unbeaten 20 runs from 12 deliveries.For India, Tilak Varma emerged as the highest scorer with 62 runs from 34 balls.