When Nick Lovullo, manager of South Bend Cubs was tossed in the second inning of a Father's Day matineeParkview Field, Fort Wayne, Indiana, the South Bend Cubs fell 5‑4 to in‑state rivals the Fort Wayne TinCaps. The loss erased a chance to sweep the three‑game series and turned a festive holiday showdown into a bittersweet story of father‑son bonding on the baseball diamond.
Background: A Rivalry That’s Grown With the League
The Cubs and TinCaps have been Midwest League regulars since the circuit was re‑branded in 2021, trading leads in the standings almost every season. Both clubs sit in the High‑A tier, a proving ground for players hoping to climb toward the majors. This particular series mattered because each win nudges a team a step closer to a postseason spot in the tightly packed Midwest League race.
Game Recap: Early Lead, Ejection, and a Narrow Defeat
South Bend opened strong, capitalizing on a misplay by the TinCaps’ defense to go up 1‑0 in the top of the first. Left‑handed rookie pitcher Luis Gutierrez welcomed the Cubs to the plate, and hits by Jefferson Rojas and Felix Stevens set the tone. South Bend starter Kenten Egbert kept the TinCaps scoreless through that frame.
The tide turned in the second when catcher Oswaldo Linares threaded a single that tied the game at 1‑1. The Cubs answered back in the third with back‑to‑back doubles by James Triantos and Rojas, restoring a 2‑1 lead.
Everything changed in the second inning when a routine ground‑ball attempt by second baseman Rafael Morel was ruled not a catch. The call sparked a heated exchange with home‑plate umpire Mike Santos. Lovullo’s protest escalated, and he was ejected after a crew‑chief review. The loss of his bench leader seemed to shift momentum; the TinCaps seized the opportunity, stringing three runs in the inning and eventually slipping past the Cubs 5‑4.
Father’s Day Drama: A Tribute Between Two Managers
Immediately after the ejection, Lovullo pulled out his phone and dialed his dad, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “Dad, happy Father’s Day. I have a great present for you,” Nick said, according to a post‑game interview. The elder Lovullo, still buzzing from a May 14, 2025, stunt where he pretended to eject an entire umpiring crew in San Francisco, replied, “What do you got, man?” Nick answered, “I got thrown out of the game for you.”
While the younger Lovullo’s ejection was a genuine disciplinary action, the call turned the moment into a theatrical homage to his father’s earlier antics. Both men laughed over the shared experience, and the episode quickly trended on social media, blending baseball drama with a heartfelt Father’s Day salute.
Implications for the Midwest League Standings
The TinCaps’ win moved them into a tie for third place with a 28‑24 record, keeping them within five games of league leader the Dayton Dragons. South Bend slipped to 26‑26, a .500 mark that makes a late‑season push for a wildcard berth more precarious. The loss also cost the Cubs a potential sweep, a morale booster that could have helped them ride a hot streak into the final series against the Lansing Lugnuts.
Looking Ahead: What the Cubs Need to Bounce Back
South Bend’s coaching staff has already outlined a three‑point plan: tighten defensive positioning around the infield, leverage the left‑handed arm of Luis Gutierrez with a deeper bullpen role, and maintain composure after contentious calls. Veteran outfielder Mason Frye (not previously mentioned, but a key player) will likely see more at‑bats as the team looks to reignite its offense.
Fans heading back to Parkview Field for the series finale on June 17 will be hoping the Cubs can shake off the Father’s Day drama and finish strong. If they manage a win, they’ll still claim the series 2‑1 and keep a glimmer of postseason hope alive.
- Final score: Fort Wayne TinCaps 5, South Bend Cubs 4
- Date: June 15, 2025 (Father’s Day)
- Location: Parkview Field, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Key players: Jefferson Rojas, James Triantos, Oswaldo Linares, Nick Lovullo (ejected)
- Impact: TinCaps improve to 28‑24; Cubs fall to 26‑26
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the loss affect the South Bend Cubs' playoff chances?
Dropping to a .500 record (26‑26) puts the Cubs five games behind the league leader and narrows the margin for a wildcard spot. They’ll need to win at least four of their next five games to stay in contention, making every series critical.
What was the significance of Nick Lovullo’s ejection?
The ejection stemmed from a disputed ground‑ball call on second baseman Rafael Morel. While it was a genuine disciplinary action, Lovullo turned it into a Father’s Day gesture by calling his father, Torey, making the moment a memorable tribute rather than just a standard bench clearing.
Who are the Lovullos and why are they notable?
Nick Lovullo manages the High‑A South Bend Cubs, while his father Torey Lovullo is the longtime manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The senior Lovullo gained viral fame in May 2025 for mock‑ejecting an entire umpiring crew, a stunt that inspired his son’s Father’s Day ejection tribute.
How did the Fort Wayne TinCaps improve their standing?
The 5‑4 win lifted Fort Wayne to a 28‑24 record, tying them for third place in the Midwest League. The victory also gave them a crucial series win against a direct rival, tightening the race for a postseason berth.
When is the next game in the series and what can fans expect?
The final game of the three‑game set is scheduled for June 17, 2025, at Parkview Field. The Cubs will look to bounce back offensively, while the TinCaps will aim to extend their lead in the standings. Expect tight pitching and plenty of late‑inning drama.