Russell's and Edwards' big games not enough

Shortstop Addison Russell drove in five runs and right-hander C.J. Edwards threw five scoreless innings, but big games Tuesday from the Cubs' Nos. 3 and 6 prospects weren't enough for Double-A Tennessee to stave off a late comeback by Montgomery. The Biscuits scored the final seven runs of the game and defeated the Smokies at home, 7-6.

Russell, ranked No. 6 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, hit an RBI double in the first inning and hit a grand slam in the seventh. He finished the game 2-for-5 and scored twice.

The grand slam was Russell's second home run in as many days. In 39 games with Tennessee since he was acquired from the A's in the Jeff Samardzija deal, Russell is hitting .301/.348/.556 with 10 home runs.

Edwards, No. 56 on the Top 100, was the beneficiary of Russell's early run support. Making his fourth start since returning from a three-month long stay on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury, he struck out seven batters, walked two and held the Biscuits to two hits. He threw 80 pitches and extended his shutout streak to 14 innings.

In eight starts for Tennessee this season, Edwards is 1-1 with a 2.31 ERA. The 22-year old has struck out 37 batters and walked 15 in 39 innings.