Latest news with #Aven
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Holiday's stellar return to mound propels American Heritage back to state final four
High School Sports Holiday's stellar return to mound propels American Heritage back to state final four afernandez@ Talan Holiday just needed one inning to regain his confidence. Holiday, American Heritage's talented senior ace and University of North Carolina commit, has dealt with multiple injuries this season and hadn't pitched in over three weeks. But you could have fooled anyone watching Holiday pitch on Wednesday night as he tossed an abbreviated five-inning two-hitter to lead the Patriots to a 10-0 mercy rule win over Miami Belen Jesuit in the second game of the Region 4-4A final series. Heritage (27-6) secured a 2-0 series sweep over the Wolverines (16-18) and its third consecutive trip to the state final four. 'The whole year I've been dealing with injuries, a hamstring pull in the preseason and then the groin midseason,' Holiday said. 'I'm just grateful to be out here. I just busted my (butt) rehabbing to get back. Things can change in a day so I'm just happy I was out here and we got the win.' The Patriots, who are trying to win their second state title in three seasons and fourth overall, will next take on Panama City Arnold in a Class 4A state semifinal at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers at either 10 a.m. or 1 on Thursday, May 15. Should Heritage make it to the final, it would play either the winner of Orlando Bishop Moore and Mulberry or Tampa Jesuit, the top seed in Class 4A and the team that beat the Patriots in last year's state final. 'We're playing great baseball this season. We've had some good success. Our pitchers are pitching great and our bats are hitting the ball right now,' American Heritage coach Bruce Aven said. 'You have a veteran team and it's showing up the way we've been playing.' Heritage pitchers did not allow a run in two games against Belen, outscoring the Wolverines by a combined 15-0 in two games. Holiday struck out eight and allowed two singles and a walk over five innings and did it on only 56 pitches. 'We weren't sure how much we were going to get out of him tonight, but he pitched great tonight and it's great to have him back,' Aven said. 'He's a difference maker and you're going to have to earn your way to get past him. He came out and pitched tonight and wasn't thinking about his injury at all.' After a quick first inning, Holiday was tested in the second inning when Belen's Orlando Montiel and David Garrido recorded back-to-back singles with one out. Holiday recovered and retired David Del Pino and Peter Lopez to end the threat. Holiday isn't the only Heritage player who has made a remarkable comeback from injury, and he so happened to be the catalyst behind all the run support the Patriots provided their ace. Senior Jordan Rich, who missed nearly all of last season with a shoulder injury he suffered in the fall of 2023 playing for Heritage's football team, went 2-for-3 with a double, triple and three RBI. 'Jordan Rich is the MVP of our season,' Aven said. 'He gets on base, quality at-bats and plays defense. He's our catalyst. His triple took the wind out of them and the guys behind him got big hits.' Rich set the tone for the Patriots' rout with a leadoff triple and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Joseph Castro. Heritage then broke the game open with seven runs in the second inning - all coming with two outs. Rich was once again the spark as he delivered a bases-clearing double. Castro followed with an RBI double. Two batters later, Dylan Dubovik and Blayden Caballero hit back-to-back run- scoring doubles. Dubovik also had an RBI triple in the fifth and catcher Sebastian Garavito hit an RBI single to score Heritage's 10th run. Holiday then shut the door with a perfect fifth to prompt the mercy rule finish. 'That's my game and my ability. Every time I come out here I trust my ability and let my work speak for itself,' Rich said. 'I feel like the game slowed down for me when I came back. I'm just excited and my decision to play baseball is paying off. I'm with a great group of guys and I just wanna go out and win one with them one last time.' ▪ Region 4-6A final - Game 1 - St. Thomas Aquinas 8, Doral 4: Nico Sabatino's grand slam in the bottom of the sixth propelled the Raiders to a 1-0 lead in the series. He and Jonathan Lopez each had two hits. ▪ Region 4-7A final - Game 1 - Douglas 6, West Broward 0: Gio Rojas tossed 6 2/3 one-hit innings, struck out 10 and walked one to help the Eagles take the first game at Douglas. Rojas also went 2 for 3 at the plate and Bennett Gary went 2-for-4 with two RBI. ▪ Region 4-5A final - Game 1 - Mater Academy 5, Varela 2: Jonathan Esponda went 3 for 3 with two runs scored to lead the Lions while Bryan Arrieta drove in two runs. Alfrin Rosario gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits over 5 1/3 innings, struck out five and walked three. Andre C. Fernandez Miami Herald Go to X Email this person Andre Fernandez is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Miami Herald and has covered a wide variety of sports during his career including the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami athletics, and high school sports.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities
THINKING of booking a trip to Edinburgh or Lisbon? You should ditch the popular cities for these incredible dupes - like Wolverhampton and Limerick. Ben Aitken, the author of 6 Ben tried local foods, and even walked an alpaca in one of the 12 cities Credit: Ben Aitken 6 Ben believes you should swap Venice for Wolverhampton Credit: Ben Aitken Over the course of a year, Ben ventured all over the country to 12 cities that were the least visited in terms of weekend breaks. In his adventure across the UK, Ben went to Sunderland, Chelmsford, Preston, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Limerick, Newry, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Newport, Gibraltar and He spent a few days in each doing various activities, trying the food, discovering new pubs. Talking to Sun Travel, Ben insisted these cities are better than the bigger names you've probably heard of. Read More on City Breaks Ben told us: "The worst pizza I've ever had was in "I'd also say that Newport's better than Cardiff - that's going to get me into trouble. I've said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I'd swap that with Newcastle. "Limerick is a match for Dublin. I'm not going to say it's better, but it's half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let's give some love to Preston, I'd rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon." He added: "I'm not saying that Edinburgh is not fantastic, Venice isn't cool, and Paris isn't sexy. But other places are of value and of note and are interesting as well. Most read in City breaks "We can give these hotspots a breather and add Dunfermline to our Edinburgh city break." Something that Ben noted was a big plus in all of these places was the affordability compared to the bigger city counterparts. Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp 6 You can give hover crafting a go in Dunfermline 6 Ben went track cycling while visiting Newport He continued: "In Wolverhampton, I stayed in a really nice hotel called The Mount, which is the best hotel in the city by all accounts - and it was £100 a night. "Dunfermline is 40 minutes away from Edinburgh, and I stayed at Garvock House for around £180. The couple that run the hotel say that they are getting more people stay with them rather than in Edinburgh where hotels cost around £400 a night. "I'd say to anyone doing that, give Dunfermline at least two hours. I went hover crafting, water skiing and went to the football too." Other activities Ben did during the breaks was walk an alpaca in Bradford see the football in Wrexham, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes, and skiing in Sunderland. 6 Hotel prices in the lesser-known cities were a fraction of the price compared to others Credit: Ben Aitken It wasn't just the stays that were a fraction of the price, that goes for food and drink too. Ben explained: "In Preston, I ate at a restaurant called Aven which had a lunchtime that was eight courses and £40 - which is great value for money." It's also where Ben enjoyed a chip barmcake (essentially a chips in a roll) for £2.80. Other delicacies Ben tried were the orange chips in In each of the cities were also the friendly locals, who were it's safe to say, surprised, by Ben's choice of weekend break. Ben told us: "People are more inclined to chat with you because they're not swamped with tourists, so they're happy to chat and to engage. "I was met with 50 shades of bafflement when I told locals I was on holiday in Sunderland or in Bradford." Not only were the locals amazed, but they were also on hand to dish out recommendations they had in the area too. Ben insists that anyone can have a fun and adventurous weekend break in any of these cities. Ben added: "Anywhere can be interesting if you engage with it in the right way and approach them in the right fashion and give it half the chance. "If you engage with these cities on their own terms you can have a nourishing enjoyable weekend and you'll always find somewhere that's doing great food and great beer." Ben documented every trip to the 12 underrated cities on social media - Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities will be released on May 8, 2025. 6 Ben travelled to 12 underrated cities across the UK Credit: Ben Aitken
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
‘Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities
THINKING of booking a trip to Edinburgh or Lisbon? You should ditch the popular cities for these incredible dupes - like Wolverhampton and Limerick. Ben Aitken, the author of Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities, has spent a year exploring overlooked cities and reveals why he'd rather go there than some of the classic bucket list destinations. 6 6 Over the course of a year, Ben ventured all over the country to 12 cities that were the least visited in terms of weekend breaks. In his adventure across the UK, Ben went to Sunderland, Chelmsford, Preston, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Limerick, Newry, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Newport, Gibraltar and Dunfermline. He spent a few days in each doing various activities, trying the food, discovering new pubs. Talking to Sun Travel, Ben insisted these cities are better than the bigger names you've probably heard of. Ben told us: "The worst pizza I've ever had was in Venice, so I'd rather go to Wolverhampton. I'd also swap Edinburgh for Dunfermline - given that they're neighbours. "I'd also say that Newport's better than Cardiff - that's going to get me into trouble. I've said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I'd swap that with Newcastle. "Limerick is a match for Dublin. I'm not going to say it's better, but it's half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let's give some love to Preston, I'd rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon." He added: "I'm not saying that Edinburgh is not fantastic, Venice isn't cool, and Paris isn't sexy. But other places are of value and of note and are interesting as well. "We can give these hotspots a breather and add Dunfermline to our Edinburgh city break." Something that Ben noted was a big plus in all of these places was the affordability compared to the bigger city counterparts. Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp 6 He continued: "In Wolverhampton, I stayed in a really nice hotel called The Mount, which is the best hotel in the city by all accounts - and it was £100 a night. "Dunfermline is 40 minutes away from Edinburgh, and I stayed at Garvock House for around £180. The couple that run the hotel say that they are getting more people stay with them rather than in Edinburgh where hotels cost around £400 a night. "I'd say to anyone doing that, give Dunfermline at least two hours. I went hover crafting, water skiing and went to the football too." Other activities Ben did during the breaks was walk an alpaca in Bradford see the football in Wrexham, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes, and skiing in Sunderland. 6 It wasn't just the stays that were a fraction of the price, that goes for food and drink too. Ben explained: "In Preston, I ate at a restaurant called Aven which had a lunchtime that was eight courses and £40 - which is great value for money." It's also where Ben enjoyed a chip barmcake (essentially a chips in a roll) for £2.80. Other delicacies Ben tried were the orange chips in Bradford, as well as a pink slice and a stottie in Sunderland. In each of the cities were also the friendly locals, who were it's safe to say, surprised, by Ben's choice of weekend break. Ben told us: "People are more inclined to chat with you because they're not swamped with tourists, so they're happy to chat and to engage. "I was met with 50 shades of bafflement when I told locals I was on holiday in Sunderland or in Bradford." Not only were the locals amazed, but they were also on hand to dish out recommendations they had in the area too. Ben insists that anyone can have a fun and adventurous weekend break in any of these cities. Ben added: "Anywhere can be interesting if you engage with it in the right way and approach them in the right fashion and give it half the chance. "If you engage with these cities on their own terms you can have a nourishing enjoyable weekend and you'll always find somewhere that's doing great food and great beer." Ben documented every trip to the 12 underrated cities on social media - @benaitken85. Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities will be released on May 8, 2025. 6
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
American Heritage baseball team sweeps Key West to advance to regional finals
It may not have been an elimination game for American Heritage. But there clearly was a sense of urgency for the Patriots. In Game 2 on Tuesday night, Heritage knew what was on the line. Win, and advance to the Region 4-4A finals. A loss would send the best-of-three series to Key West on Thursday for a decisive Game 3. As it turned out, Heritage avoided the long bus ride. The Patriots belted four home runs, and received five strong innings on the mound from Dylan Dubovik, and held on for a 9-5 victory over Key West. By taking care of business, Heritage (25-6) awaits the winner of the Belen Jesuit/Merritt Island Series. The Nos. 6 and 2 seeds, respectively, have split their first two games, with Game 3 set for Thursday at Belen. As the top seed, Heritage will host the first two games of the regional finals beginning on Monday. If it goes to a third game, the Patriots will play that game on the road. Heritage's offense came up big in Game 2, receiving home runs from Blayden Caballero, Sebastian Garavito, Jordan Rich and Chris Levy. Key West (20-12) received home runs from Sam Holland and Kade Maltz. 'Guys were swinging the bats, on both sides,' Heritage coach Bruce Aven said. 'For us, we were fortunate to even have some arms left. We didn't want to have a Thursday [game]. Don't put it into a situation where baseball can do anything it wants to do. Two inches fair. Two inches foul, can go your way. I was happy we were able to finish the game.' Had the series gone to a third game, the Patriots were prepared to start Talan Holiday, their ace, who has missed most of the season due to an injury. Holiday actually was warming up in the seventh inning, and prepared to pitch had the Conchs' comeback attempt gotten closer. Heritage carried a seven-run lead into the seventh, but the Conchs scored three runs before reliever Caden Garro recorded the final out. 'Give them credit, too,' Aven said. 'They were able to battle back right there at the end.' Heritage struck quickly, posting three runs in the first inning. Dubovik opened the scoring with an RBI single, and Caballero followed with a two-run home run. In the third inning, Garavito capped a nine-pitch at-bat with a two-run homer, making it 5-1. RJ Machado and Dubovik added RBI hits in the fourth inning. Rich and Levy connected on solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. 'We stayed on them,' Aven said. 'We had some quality at-bats.' By reaching the regional finals, the Patriots put themselves two wins away from advancing yet again to Fort Myers for the state final four. Even though the regional rounds are all best-of-three, the semifinals and finals are single elimination. Heritage put itself in position for the sweep against Key West by winning Game 1 on Monday. Left-hander Mark Aleman got the start for the Patriots in Game 1, and did a terrific job, allowing one run in six-plus innings. The hitting star of the night was Machado, the Patriots senior third baseman. In the fourth inning, with Heritage up 1-0, Machado blasted a grand slam on a 3-0 count. Given the green light, the senior jump all over a fastball and deposited it beyond the wall in left field. Zack Wilson gave the Heritage the lead in the second inning with a sacrifice fly. Dubovik (Miami commit) provided an insurance run in the sixth inning, scoring on a throwing error. Dubovik, who walked, stole second base. When he swiped third, the throw skipped into the outfield, providing the Patriots outfielder the path to score. Maltz had an RBI single for Key West. 'Everything is clicking,' Aven said. 'Like I told these guys, we haven't played a game where it's been flawless. Meaning, our defense, our pitching, our hitting. Think of how many times we left guys on base. Even [this series], how many opportunities did we waste? I told them, 'Guys, it was nice, we scored nine. But we could have scored 14. … We still have things we need to clean up.' MORE SCORES ▪ Region 4-4A semifinal - Merritt Island 4, Belen Jesuit 3: The Wolverines (15-16) were unable to hold an early 3-0 lead and will have to win a decisive third game Thursday at home. ▪ Region 3-3A semifinal - Game 2 - Clearwater Calvary Christian 4, North Broward Prep 0: Julian Rodriguez had two of the Eagles' three hits as they were eliminated from the postseason prior to the state tournament for the first time in five years. North Broward Prep (23-8) lost to the same team that beat it in the state final in 2023. ▪ Region 4-3A semifinal - Game 2 - Killian 3, St. Brendan 2 (8): The decisive third game will be played on Thursday at Killian at 3:30. Eddie Naranjo went 2-for-3 with an RBI and Kendry Blanco drove in another run to help the Cougars (15-14) even the series. ▪ Region 4-2A semifinal - Game 2 - Boca Raton St. Andrews 10, Westminster Christian 0: The Warriors finish the season 17-13-1. ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Game 2 - Brito 6, Schoolhouse Prep 5: Hector Santos went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI to lead the Panthers (14-13) to the series-clinching win. Claudio De Los Santos went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI and Christopher Guzman went 2-for-3. Brito advances to the regional finals where it will face either Miami Christian or Jupiter Christian beginning Monday. ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Jupiter Christian 8, Miami Christian 7 (series tied 1-1): The teams will play the third game on Thursday at Jupiter Christian at 4.
7NEWS
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
Best-selling homeware essentials for Mother's Day: Here's how to save $50 on luxury towels, bedding and more
We've been busy rounding up all of the best gifts to give Mum, and there's one shop we keep coming back to — and so does hundreds of Aussies across the country. Sheridan, home to luxury bedding, towels and more, is the perfect gift-giving solution for busy mums looking to add a little spa-like touch to their home. In fact, if you get in early you can save $50 when spending $150. From bedding, towels, robes, deluxe pillows and more, you can get your hands on a thoughtful gift, without splashing too much cash. We've done the hardwork for you, from affordable tea towel sets under $50, to heavenly plush robes for $169.99, there's plenty of great deals to choose from when shopping for Mum. Whether your budget is $50, $100, $200 or $300, get ready to shop up a storm with our helpful guide. Under $50 Este Tea Towel Set - Two Pack, $34.99 Eris Soft Luxury Towel Collection, $24.99 Aven Towel Collection, $34.99 Vita Logo Tea Towel Set - Two Pack, $34.99 Koro Logo Tea Towel Set - Two Pack, $34.99 Cedar Towel Collection, $49.99 Hunter Jessica Daisy Scented Candle, $49 Arte Tea Towel Set - Two Pack, $34.99 Under $100 500tc Egyptian Cotton Twill Pillowcase Pair, $69.99 All Year Comfort Coolmax® Pillow Protector, $59.99 Ultimate Indulgence Towel Collection, $69.95 Sunray Beach Towel, $79.99 Lanham Silk Eye Mask, $59.99 Hunter Deborah Fig Tree Scented Candle, $49 Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Pair, $59.99 Hunter Australia Blue Gum + Lemon Myrtle + Wattle Scented Diffuser, $59 Sano Linen Breakfast Cushion, $79.99 Deluxe Travel Pillow, $79.99 Under $200 Bertie Fitted Sheet Set, $109.99 Abbotson Linen Pillowcase Pair, $139.99 Marlo Soft Cotton Quilt Cover Set, $125 Reilly Fitted Sheet, $139.99 Aven Robe, $169.99 Lanham Silk Pillowcase, $129.99 Apolina Dress, $199.99 Realm Dress, $109.99 Egyptian Cotton Sateen Fitted Sheet, $149.99 Ultimate Indulgence Towel Collection, $119.95 Under $300 1000TC Hotel Luxury Fitted Sheet, $269.99 Joison Quilt Cover, $299.99 Maja Quilt Cover, $299.99 Luxurious Latex High Profile Firm Feel Pillow, $209.99 Abbotson Linen Quilted Bed Skirt, $279.99 Therapillo™ Cooling Gel Top Premium Memory Foam High Profile Pillow, $229.99 Deluxe Cotton Wool Kids Quilt, $279.99
