Max Scherzer pitched six effective innings to earn his career-high 16th win, Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 8-6 on Wednesday night in Chicago to move within a game of the AL Central lead.

Scherzer (16-6) allowed a run and four hits, including the first of two homers by Kevin Youkilis. The right-hander struck out seven to increase his major league-leading total to 220 and improved to 10-1 over his last 14 starts.

Gavin Floyd took the loss in his return for the Sox, striking out seven over 4 2/3 innings but allowing three runs – all earned – on four hits and a walk.