The Tampa Bay Rays were one of several teams to install additional netting to shield fans from foul balls and broken bats down the lines.
Unfortunately, the additional netting didn't help.
In the seventh inning, a screaming foul ball got through a small gap in the netting between home plate and the dugout and hit a woman attending the Rays game against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field.
The foul ball came off the bat of Rays outfielder Steven Souza, who was visibly upset and went over to check on the injured fan in the second row of seats. The game was delayed 12 minutes as she was attended to.
"It looked like it caught her right in the eye, which wasn't a good sight," Souza said. "People are more important than that game right there. That woman's health is way more important."
Souza is hoping to visit the woman, who was taken to a hospital. No other news about her injuries were expected Friday night.
Last season, several fans were injured by foul balls and broken bats, raising awareness to make changes. In December, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred strongly urged teams to expand the netting down the line and anywhere within 70 feet of home plate to protect the fans.
"That's tough," said ace left-hander Chris Sale, who threw a two-hitter for Chicago. "Major League Baseball is trying to do what they can to protect fans, but that's just a tough situation. I almost felt that when it happened. You feel so bad for the individual and her family, and just hope for the best."
"I know it didn't sound good at all," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "I hope she's all right."
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
