By Jayson Henderson

On the opening night of Players’ Weekend, Bobby Witt Jr. set aside his usual blue gear for purple cleats and a bat to honor his late agent, Scott Pucino, who passed away in April from pancreatic cancer. His cleats read “Scott P,” while his bat carried Pucino’s full name.

Witt went 2-for-4 in the Royals’ 3-1 win over the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium, helping Kansas City move back to .500 at 61-61 and climb in the American League Wild Card race. Salvador Perez homered in the fourth inning, and rookie starter Noah Cameron allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings. Witt also turned a key double play in the sixth to end a Chicago threat.

The victory lifted the Royals ahead of Texas in the standings, keeping them within striking distance of a Wild Card spot with 40 games left.