Andrés Machado the Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher who participated in the World Baseball Classic, rejoined the team on the 21st for their game against Hanshin Tigers (Kyocera Dome Osaka). The right-hander, who pitched in six games for Venezuela, giving up two runs and holding two hold in 6 1/3 innings, contributed to his country's first-ever world championship. "We hadn't been able to win a championship for a long time, so I'm extremely happy that we finally won. That moment was incredibly joyful, beyond anything I could have imagined," he said with a carefree smile.

In the quarter-final against Japan (at Lawn Depot Park), he came in as the sixth pitcher in the 8th inning with the score 8-5, and recorded hold with one runs inning. Although they defeated the 2023 champions and gained momentum towards becoming world champions, he remained humble, saying, "I knew from before the tournament that Japan was a very strong team. We won the game, but I don't think that changes the fact that Japan is strong, so I have a lot of respect and admiration for them."

After joining Orix Buffaloes, he received congratulations from teammates, including player-coach Hirano, who participated in the 2017 tournament. "I was able to contribute 100% to the Venezuelan team. However, there is still a lot of work to be done for Orix Buffaloes to advance to the Japan Series. I have a strong desire to win with Orix Buffaloes as well, and above all, the team exists because of the fans. I want to convey to everyone that I love them." He is scheduled to enter bullpen on the 22nd. The closer, who has become even stronger after his experience on the big stage, will bring joy to Kishida's Orix Buffaloes.