NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sometimes, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story. The New York Mavericks (3-8) have spent much of the season clawing, learning, and proving they belong in the upper echelons of PBR Teams competition. Sunday, that determination came alive in the bottom of the fifth, with Marco Rizzo staring down the Kansas City Outlaws, the team’s narrow lead, and a moment every rider dreams about: a walk-off victory.

Rizzo, riding Hoobastank, outlasted the Outlaws’ bull and the pressure of the moment to clinch a 260.5–259.5 win—the first walk-off of his career. Mavericks coach Kody Lostroh praised Rizzo’s growth and comeback from injury: “We’re just now really starting to see what he’s capable of,” noting that Rizzo has “been more consistent in the process than a lot of them.”

Lostroh also stressed the importance of focus and finishing strong: “You start strong and you got to finish stronger…starting a lot of good rides and falling off at six, seven seconds… it’s not worth anything.”

The win wasn’t just Rizzo’s moment. Bob Mitchell set the tone early with an 87.00-point ride on Ridin’ Salty, keeping the Mavericks within striking distance. Rizzo followed with an 84.25-point ride on Hoobastank to close the match. Lostroh explained the team’s strategy: “Bob likes that position…that’s where he’s comfortable. Same with Marco on the other flip side, being a closer…he really liked being last…Take the pressure off of Marco and let him really shine.”

Depth has been a challenge all season. Lostroh acknowledged, “Finding more riders that are capable of doing it at this level…there’s not a lot…There’s a lot of folks here, but most that I’m just going to kill off if I bring them to this level.”

For the Mavericks, Sunday wasn’t just about the win—it was about resilience and grit. Reflecting on Marco’s journey, Lostroh said, “Marco is just seeing the culmination of the last 8, 10, 12 months of dedication…Along the way, he’s had to learn and grow mentally and physically…And what’s changed is he’s seeing the results of a lot of hard work. He believes in himself. He believes in the process, and it makes a big difference.”

And for Rizzo? One ride, one roaring arena, and a new name to remember. A walk-off ride may be his first, but if Sunday is any indication, it won’t be his last.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media