A newborn is fighting for her recovery in the hospital after being struck in the head by a softball during her father’s game.

Seven-week-old McKenna Hovenga was airlifted from the softball game in Shell Rock, Iowa, to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The ball fractured the tiny baby’s skull, causing two serious brain bleeds and frequent seizures.

McKenna’s parents Kassy and Lee are anxiously waiting for their daughter’s condition to take a turn for the better.

On Friday McKenna’s father Lee posted two photos of the baby smiling with the caption: ‘It’s scary that this was the last time I saw her smile, heard her laugh, and got to hold her. This is giving me so much hope right now.

‘I’m so grateful for all of the prayers and support we are receiving from all across Iowa and America.

‘We hear about these accidents on the news every day throughout the Cedar Valley, never thinking of how many people other than myself are praying for those affected by these unexpected accidents.

‘It is heartwarming knowing there are so many selfless people in this world who hope and pray for others.’

A YouCaring page has raised more than $14,500 to help cover McKenna’s medical treatments. Family members have been updating a Facebook page called ‘Healing for McKenna’ with news from the hospital as the baby’s condition changes rapidly.

Scans indicate that the ball hit the front of McKenna’s skull.

She is currently using a feeding and breathing tube, and doctors have treated her with a variety of different medications to manage the seizures.

‘At this point the goal is to stop the seizures. They are not sure of the “why” and won’t be able to determine that until they can get them under control,’ a Facebook post says.

The most recent update as of Saturday night indicates that McKenna’s future remains uncertain.

‘Realistic scenario is that McKenna will remain in the [pediatric ICU] until Friday at least, before transferring to a regular room.

‘This is if everything continues to go exactly perfect – and certainly not anything they are even talking about at this point.

‘It is very hard to wait and watch and not know the future and that’s exactly what we’re doing right now.’

The young parents view McKenna as their miracle child because they had struggled to conceive for three years before their baby girl finally arrived.