No. 1 Carolina outlast No. 2 Kansas City to clinch a playoff berth during opening night of PBR Teams: Cowboy Days

Greensboro, N.C.  — The Carolina Cowboys understood the assignment and delivered exactly what was needed.

In a showdown of the league's top two teams, No.1 Caroline outlasted No. 2 Kansas City by one score, during night one of PBR Teams: Cowboy Days. The Cowboys went 3-for-5 to defeat The Outlaws 349.75 - 260.5. Friday's victory was huge for The Cowboys. The win clinched one of the Top 6 automatic spots to compete at the PBR Teams Championship in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 18^th through Oct. 20^th . The top two teams heading into the playoffs are rewarded with first round byes.

Kansas City entered Greensboro, N.C. On a heater, winning five of their last six games. Carolina knew they would need to get off to a good start and Cooper Davis (vs Heavy Hitter) along with Derek Kolbaba (Chacho) would provide just that. The Cowboys two lead-off men gave Carolina a 91-point lead over Kansas City, who only received a qualified ride from Maikon Calixto Rocha, entering the third. 

The energy from the home crowd would help The Cowboys finish strong during Game 1. In the bottom of the fourth, 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearington dominated Jerry's Special for 86.75 points, extending the Cowboys’ lead to 90.5 points and forcing Kansas City into a must-ride position. 

The Outlaws needed to hit a home run if they were to have any chance of winning. That tall task fell on the shoulders of the Outlaws closer, Cassio Dias. The reigning PBR Champion needed 90.75 or more to give the black and orange a chance. Dias entered the ride tied for first place with the most 90-point rides this season (4). Paired with Dark Thoughts, Dias made the whistle, but his score of 88.25 points was not enough to keep Kansas City's hopes alive. Dawson Branton would go on to put the cherry on top for Carolina with a successful re-ride vs Outlaw to secure the win for the home team.

With Friday's win over The Outlaws, The Cowboys now lead the season series 2-1.

Game 1 of PBR Teams: Cowboy Days was also huge for the Texas Rattlers. They served up the fifth perfect game in league history, and second in team history, as they defeated the Missouri Thunder by three ride scores, 427.5 - 175.75. 

GREENSBORO TEAM STANDINGS – SEPTEMBER 20:

Here are the Team standings for the first day of competition for the PBR Camping World Team Series event in Greensboro, North Carolina:

Florida Freedom: 262 - New York Mavericks: 86.75

Texas Rattlers: 427.5 - Missouri Thunder: 175.75

Arizona Ridge Riders: 172.25 - Nashville Stampede: 172.75

Kansas City Outlaws: 260.5 - Carolina Cowboys: 349.75

1. Florida Freedom, 1-0-0-352
2. Texas Rattlers, 1-0-0-516.25
3. Carolina Cowboys, 1-0-0-349.75
4. Nashville Stampede, 1-0-0-172.75
5. Kansas City Outlaws, 0-1-0-260.5
6. Missouri Thunder, 0-1-0-175.75
7. Arizona Ridge Riders, 0-1-0-172.25
8. New York Mavericks, 0-1-0-86.75

Note: The Austin Gamblers and Oklahoma Wildcatters had byes on September 20.

PBR TEAMS SEASON STANDINGS:

Here are the current Team standings for the regular season after the opening day of competition for PBR Cowboy Days in Greensboro, North Carolina:

1. Carolina Cowboys, 16-4-1-4,620.5
2. Kansas City Outlaws, 15-7-0-4,925.75
3. Florida Freedom, 12-9-0-3,936.25
4. Texas Rattlers, 11-11-0-4,255.75
5. Austin Gamblers, 10-11-0-3,404
6. Nashville Stampede, 10-12-0-3,102
7. Missouri Thunder, 9-13-0-3,053.5
8. New York Mavericks, 9-13-0-2,324
9. Oklahoma Wildcatters, 8-13-1-3,315.75
10. Arizona Ridge Riders, 7-14-0-3,603.25

* Photo Credit - Bull Stock Media