The frightening moment happened during the fourth inning when Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. launched a line drive into the stands at Houston's Minute Maid Park. The ball hit a small child, who appeared to be alert but crying as a man lifted her into his arms and carried her away, according to The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, a horrified Almora watched from the field, kneeling and sobbing as teammates consoled him.
>> See his emotional reaction here
Albert Almora visibly shaken after his foul ball hit a young fan in the stands. Prayers that the fan is alright. pic.twitter.com/CQtzKYFRDi
— MyBookie Sportsbook (@betmybookie) May 30, 2019
Almora later spoke to a security guard, who embraced him as they discussed the girl's status.
This breaks your heart. Almora overcome with emotions after his foul ball struck a young fan at Minute Maid Park. pic.twitter.com/9cGRixMK8S
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) May 30, 2019
The Astros said in a statement that the girl "was taken to the hospital" but did not say how she was doing. Houston sports radio station KMBE reported that she "is expected to be OK."
According to our sources, the young child was awake, responsive and taken to a local hospital for precautionary reasons. The child is expected to be ok. Thank goodness.
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) May 30, 2019
In a tearful interview after the game, Almora told reporters that he was "at a loss of words."
"As soon as I hit it, the first person I locked eyes on was her," Almora said. "With God willing, I'll be able to have a relationship with this little girl for the rest of my life."
He added: "Being a father of two boys, I want to put a net around the whole stadium."
"I'm speechless, at a loss for words. Being a father of two boys." Albert Almora speaks after scary foul ball incident: https://t.co/wIl0a3TxAr pic.twitter.com/ONxuzw85jA
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) May 30, 2019
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