There was something Zen-like in the air before the A’s played the Marlins on Wednesday.
Was it the pervading presence of something supernatural?
Did it help the team win?
Whatever it was, it emanated from pitcher Chris Bassitt’s locker, which was converted into a Zen garden. Sonny Gray, who occupies the neighboring locker, said the calm and relaxed attitude carried over to the game.
“If we’re going to put this thing together here,” Gray said, “we’re going to have to play well at home and we’re going to have to get everyone together, and that’s just kind of a little way to do that.