This project looks back on the 2026 season of the Pacific League warriors. From the Orix Buffaloes, who finished 4th with 65 wins, 76 losses, and 2 draws as injuries plagued both the pitching and batting lineups this season, we look back on the performance of pitcher Espinoza, who won his first title since coming to Japan as the "Most Valuable Pitcher" (most wins).

In his first appearance of the season, he achieved his first shutout game since coming to Japan, and he will play a key role in the rotation throughout the year.

Espinoza pitcher made his season debut on April 1 against Saitama Seibu Lions, and with 9 innings pitched 5 hit 1 Walk 7 strike out empty runs in 9 innings, he recorded his first shutout game win in Japan, marking a promising start with his fourth consecutive win.

He continued to pitch well, finishing the season with 9 wins and 3 losses in 15 games in the first half, including 13 games with a QS. Notably, from July 5, he achieved HQS in three consecutive games, greatly contributing to the team's win. Furthermore, in his second All-Star appearance in two years, he started Game 2, pitching two innings with 1 hit scoreless runs.

In the first game of the second half, August 5 against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, he pitched seven innings with 9 hit, putting on a runs but delivering a powerful performance that closer in 1 , achieving his first double-digit win in Japan. In the following game on the 12th, he was hit with 2 Home Run in 6 innings for 5 runs, but on the 20th, he regained his pitch with 4 hit 1 runs in 8 innings.

He continued pitching steadily until the end of the season, and on September 19 against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, he earned his 13th win, rising to the top of the league in win. After that, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Koki Kitayama pitcher also recorded 13 wins, and both won the title with 13 wins.

◇ Espinoza pitcher 2026 Results
23 games: 13 wins, 6 losses, 149.1 innings pitched 136 strike out, ERA 2.71, WHIP 1.01