ベネズエラ代表が１２日（日本時間１３日）、試合会場のローンデポパークで日本との準々決勝（同１５日）へ向けて公式練習を行った。

Machado, the Venezuelan reliever pitcher who plays for Orix Buffaloes, said, "I'm really happy to see Miyagi and Wakatsuki again. That's why I wanted to say hello to them. They're like brothers and family to me in Japan, so I wanted to tell them, 'Welcome to America, and enjoy playing baseball here.'" He expressed his delight at the reunion in the United States.

"I want to pitch against Japan. I think it would be a very moving experience for the Japanese fans as well." When asked about facing off against his teammate Wakatsuki, he smiled and said, "I think that would be great."

The team lost to the Dominican Republic in their final game of the first round, but advanced with a 3-1 record. Machado has pitched one inning in each of the three games, allowing only two hit and strike out five without giving up any runs, living up to expectations. "I'm 100%. I'm 100% confident. We're a good team and we have all the good things. Japan is also a good team. They have a lot of good young players. I think we're evenly matched, so it will be a good game," he said, expressing his excitement for the match against Japan.