Arizona Ridge Riders win at home as playoff drama unfolds at Ridge Rider Days

New York Mavericks: 87.5
Arizona Ridge Riders: 173.75

In the final game of PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams: Ridge Rider Days Friday night, the Arizona Ridge Riders (9-17) bested the New York Mavericks (10-16), 173.75-87.5.

The visiting Mavericks began the game with Leandro Machado taking on Pricky Ricky, and the powerful bovine competitor immediately seized the upper hand, bucking Machado off in 1.27 seconds. Nick Tetz was the first rider to go for Arizona, and he was offered a re-ride after he was fouled by the aptly named T-Wrecks in the home team’s opening out.

The second frame began with Mauricio Moreira taking on Kill Switch with two pink pacifiers tied to the back of his vest after finding out he’s expecting two baby girls last weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. Similar to Tetz in the bottom of the first, Moreira was offered a re-ride opportunity after being fouled by his animal athlete opponent. Arizona’s Eduardo Aparecido was the first to make the 8 in the final game Friday night, giving the home team an early lead by riding Foul Play for 89.25 points.

Sticking with Arizona, veteran Dener Barbosa extended the Ridge Riders’ lead by covering Smooth Steel for 84.5 points. The Mavericks turned to Ederson Santos to respond aboard Mongo. The Brazilian rocketed out of the gate and initially sat tall before the powerful bovine competitor flipped him over the front after 5.61 seconds. JaCauy Hale was paired with Crazy Times for the Ridge Riders’ re-ride opportunity, but the Arizonan couldn’t take advantage, hitting the dirt hard after 6.83 seconds.

Still down two ride scores, New York turned to Leonardo Castro to attempt to break through on Taz, but he slipped to the left after 6.42 seconds, leaving the Mavericks in a must-ride situation. Sticking with New York, Mason Taylor took the Mavericks’ re-ride opportunity on Chuck, and the Texan kept his team in the game, breaking through for 87.5 points.

With two bulls remaining for the home team, Bruno Carvalho was given the first opportunity to clinch the win for Arizona on Preston’s Pistol. Giving the nod with nine seconds on the chute clock, the Brazilian initially sat tall before getting stuck in the well and losing the rope after 6.21 seconds. New York’s Maverick Smith then catapulted out of the chutes on Dan-O, but he bucked off after 5.12 seconds to secure the win for Arizona. With the game already in hand, Keyshawn Whitehorse stormed out of the chutes on Lasher, but he couldn’t hold on after 2.50 seconds.

Arizona attempts to remain perfect at home against the Oklahoma Wildcatters (11-15-1) Saturday night, while New York hopes to bounce back against the Austin Gamblers (13-14).