Austin Gamblers: 346.75

Nashville Stampede: 177.5

FORT WORTH, Texas – After a back-and-forth ride battle to begin the game, compliments of two monstrous 90-point rides, including one from newly inked rider Dalton Kasel (Muleshoe, Texas), the Austin Gamblers closed their opening showdown at the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series event in Fort Worth, Texas, strong, defeating the Nashville Stampede 346.75-177.5.

Remaining in the lead-off position for the Gamblers, Ezekiel Mitchell (Rockdale, Texas) struck in front of his home state, covering Sammy (Dorman/Weaver/Hilton Bull Co.) for 75.75 points.

The Stampede quickly overtook the lead in the bottom of the frame as 2018 PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco (Itatiba, Brazil) dominated Cold Shot (Jeb Fredericks/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger) for a commanding 90 points.

As the second got underway, the Stampede led the Gamblers by 14.25 points. While the Gamblers briefly reclaimed the lead courtesy of Lucas Divino’s (Nova Crixas, Brazil) 89.75-point ride atop Mike’s Motive (Blake Sharp/High Voltage/Wetzel/Knott), the Stampede converted in the bottom of the second, with Thiago Salgado (Navirai, Brazil) marked 87.5 points on Goldfinger (Broken Arrow S Ranch/Sutton Ranch), to enter the third 12 points ahead.

As the game reached the mid-point, 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year Kasel, traded to the Gamblers leading into Rattler Days, readied to make his debut for his new team atop Bobkat (Bob Whisnant/Shaw Cattle Co./Hilton Bull Co.) in the top of the third.

In a pairing which proved dividends, Kasel made his presence known for Austin, matching the bull jump-for-jump en route to a mammoth 90.25 points, putting his team 78.25 points ahead.

Austin’s lead stood in the bottom of the frame as Nashville’s Manoelito de Souza Junior (Itamira, Brazil) was tossed by Mule Train (Martinez/Porter Cattle Co.) in 2.33 seconds.

Following a scoreless fourth, Austin closer and two-time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil) had the chance to clinch the victory early for his team, putting Austin two bulls ahead with Nashville having just one out remaining. Leme’s dominant season continued, as he cemented the victory in covering Hundred Bad Days (TNT Bucking Bulls) for a game-best 91 points.

The score was Leme’s fourth 90-point ride in as many attempts aboard the bull, and his third of the PBR Team Series season.

The Stampede were unable to cover in their last attempt, with the final scoreboard reading a 346.75-177.5 Austin victory.

The Austin Gamblers are now 12-11 this season and will play the Missouri Thunder (1-0 | 12-11) on the second night of PBR Rattler Days in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Nashville Stampede backslid to 5-17-1 and will attempt to snap their four-game losing streak on Saturday when they face off against the Kansas City Outlaws (1-0 | 10-13).

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media