Constable: Fans hope Wednesday's game wasn't Arrieta's last as a Cub

As the Chicago Cubs pitcher with two World Series wins last season and the most postseason strikeouts in franchise history, Jake Arrieta lost Wednesday's playoff game against the Washington Nationals in what could be his last game in a Cubs uniform. The star pitcher becomes a free agent after this season.

But faithful fans of Arrieta and the Cubs fully expect their team to win tonight's deciding Game 5 in Washington, allowing the Cubs' most-winning pitcher this season a chance to redeem himself in the National League championship series against the Los Angeles Dodgers - or maybe in the World Series.

"Last year, he (Arrieta) was so dominating. He was the ace," said Ray Galeno, 35, of Rolling Meadows, who wore his Arrieta jersey to the game. Galeno said his wife, Yesy, is an even bigger Arrieta fan because of "the combination of his personal life and how he plays."

Traveling more than two hours to get to the game from their homes near Rockford, Todd Mueller, 47, of Loves Park, and his sister, Sue Kidd, 62, of Pecatonica, said Arrieta offers fans a lot to admire.

"His Cy Young Award, his character, the way he exercises, his Pilates. He's a good example for the next generation," Mueller said. "Look at the guy. He's intense. He's a player. Look at those deep eyes and that big beard. He's intimidating on the mound."

Sporting a handmade Arrieta-style beard that she fashioned out of human hair, Peoria hairstylist and Cubs fan Danielle McDaniel said she appreciates the Cubs' pitcher's work ethic and his dedication to staying fit and pitching well.

"He's such a phenomenal athlete. He's super intense. He's dedicated to his workouts," said McDaniel, 33, who made her Arrieta beard during last year's playoffs.

Arrieta gave up only one unearned run on an error by shortstop Addison Russell, but he labored for four innings with five walks and 90 pitches. On a raw, 59-degree day with mist, drizzle and a 16-mph wind blowing in from center field, Cubs' batters couldn't generate an offense against Nationals ace, Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals put the game out of reach in the eighth inning when center fielder Michael Taylor powered a grand slam through the wind and into the basket above the right field wall off Cubs' closer Wade Davis to make the score 5-0, and send many fans who braved the foul weather heading for the exits.

Game 5 begins at 7 p.m. today with Game 1 winner Kyle Hendricks taking the mound with the chance to keep alive Cubs' dreams of a repeat championship.

Earlier this week, Arrieta told reporters he wanted to "capture some mental images of Wrigley and the fan base and my teammates. Just to try and remember as much as I can about these last couple weeks, if it's my last time in this uniform."

A fifth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2007, Arrieta and teammate Pedro Strop, an anchor in the Cubs bullpen, were traded to the Cubs on July 2, 2013, for pitcher Scott Feldman, now a journeyman pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds, and backup catcher Steve Clevenger, whose career ended during the 2016 season when the Seattle Mariners suspended him for sending racist tweets. With a 68-31 record, two no-hitters, clutch postseason wins and a 2.71 ERA during his time with the Cubs, Arrieta has been a bargain.

Wearing matching Arrieta No. 49 jerseys, Dave Baddley and his 8-year-old son, Henry, agreed they would be "heartbroken" if Wednesday's loss marked the end of Arrieta's career with the Cubs. Coming from their home in Atlanta with Baddley's wife and Henry's mother, Genny Ferrero, the trio stayed an extra day "because we wanted to see Jake Arrieta," Henry said.

They witnessed Arrieta at less than his best. But fans remained confident the Cubs would keep the postseason dreams alive. After all, Arrieta needs just one more win during these playoffs to tie him with Hall-of-Famer Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, who won five World Series games for those Cubs teams that won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908. Tonight, we'll see if the Cubs can give Arrieta another chance.