White Sox 5, Tigers 2: Jake Peavy outpiches Max Scherzer, Tigers defense takes a holiday

In today's 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers fans finally witnessed what was feared by all going into the season. Their questionable team defense playing a big role in turning a tight game into a loss.Though blame can't entirely be placed on the Tigers' defense, as sometimes the other team just plain plays well. Today, Jake Peavy and the White Sox outplayed the Tigers in all phases of the game ... other than in math. Who knew measuring the distance from the mound to the batter's box was so damn difficult?

Peavy was lights out for 6.2 innings, the only hiccup being his final pitch, Young's 7th inning home run. Defensively, the White Sox made a pair of run saving defensive plays in the late innings, snuffing out Tigers' rallies, completely changing the tone of the game.

For the nuts and bolts recap

White Sox 5, Tigers 2

First, a statement of fact. What Delmon Young giveth on offense, Delmon Young taketh on defense.

OK, here's the question. Why play Young in left field when Andy Dirks is also in the lineup as the DH? Considering the strengths and weakness of both players, which are pretty damn obvious, you would think it's a no-brainer decision to DH Young and give Dirks the start in left. I'm not even going to attempt to guess Leyland's thought processes in regard to lineups. Though an overdose of nicotine may have been a factor.

If the Tigers continue to play Young in left due to his not wanting to be a full time DH, you can just kill me now. Victor Martinez could play better outfield ...TODAY. Every time Young makes noises about wanting to play in the field, the Tigers should remind him of his criminal misadventures in left today, then write his name down in the lineup card as the DH ... IN INK. That, and hide his glove.

On the bright side, Max Scherzer figured out his his occasionally wonky mechanics, and pitched a very good game. A 6 inning quality start with 11 strike outs from the number 3 starter? No matter the outcome, I'll walk away happy with Scherzer every time, and so will the Tigers. Consider my confidence restored after the Red Sox debacle.

The Daniel Schlereth hate brigade was given more ammo, as 2 runs allowed today raised his ERA to 10.38. Brayan Villarreal wasn't any better, his wild pitch accounting for the final White Sox run. Between Schlereth and Villarreal, only one remains on the roster as of tonight, and it's not the arm most would prefer.

In the end, what stood out was Peavy's performance and the play of the White Sox on defense. Prince Fielder, Dirks and Cabrera all were robbed of base hits, and the Tigers of 3 runs. There's your difference in the game.

3 ROARS

Delmon Young - He was the Tigers offense; 1 HR, 2 RBI.

Max Scherzer - Put his God awful first start behind him; 6 IP, 3 ER, 11 SO

Brennan Boesch - Continues to set the table for the middle of the order; 2 H.

3 HISSES

Delmon Young - His 8th inning error that wasn't set the White Sox's rally in motion.

Daniel Schlereth - 2 more runs allowed, along with 2 hits and a base on balls.

U.S. Cellular Field grounds crew - Who were laughably inept in setting up the field. I hope they were just inept, otherwise they are in desperate need of help in learning how to cheat.

GAME 6 PLAYER OF THE GAME

Without question, you said it was Brennan Boesch, with 85% of the vote.