‘Prioritizing winning’: What the Cubs are playing for in the 2nd half of a losing season

Cubs rookie P.J. Higgins, second from right, is congratulated by Patrick Wisdom, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ after hitting a grand slam during the first inning of a game against the Dodgers on Sunday. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

LOS ANGELES — Cubs lefty Drew Smyly sighed and in eight words summed up the reason for the tense silence in the visiting clubhouse at Dodger Stadium. 

“I think we’re all just sick of losing,” Smyly said.