On fire during the second half of the regular season, Jake Arrieta turned in his second consecutive subpar outing in Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday night.

Arrieta was hit hard by the first three New York Mets he faced as the Chicago Cubs lost and now face an 0-2 deficit heading home to Wrigley Field.

"I put us in a big hole in the first," Arrieta said. "One of those [that was] too hard to overcome."

Arrieta lasted five innings, giving up four runs for the second consecutive game.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Arrieta's fastball averaged 93 mph, his lowest since April 14. The right-hander said he's fine physically and wouldn't blame the cold temperatures. The only conclusion can be fatigue as the innings pile up. Arrieta is one shy of 250 for the season, by far the most he has ever thrown.

"He's human," catcher Miguel Montero said. "He can get tired as well. I don't want to make up any excuses, but that could be the case."

What used to be a fastball at 95 or 96 mph with some zip dropped to the 92-94 range, and his offspeed stuff dropped along with it. Arrieta was asked about the dip in velocity.

"I don't know," he responded.