During a softball game, what happens when a runner is hit by a batted ball before it passes an infielder?

The scenario described revolves around an important rule in softball regarding what occurs when a runner is hit by a batted ball before the ball has passed an infielder. In this situation, the correct course of action is to declare the play dead, meaning the ball is no longer in play, and then administer the consequences as outlined in the rulebook.

When a runner is struck by a batted ball in this manner, the rule states that the base runner is out because they interfered with the course of the ball and it can be considered a form of interference. Meanwhile, since the ball was hit and not caught in the air, the batter is awarded first base as a form of compensation for the play's interference. This rule aims to uphold the integrity of the game by ensuring that batted balls travel through the field of play without being obstructed by runners who are not attempting to advance within the bases.

In contrast, options that suggest the play continues normally, allow the runner to be safe at the next base, or award a strike to the batter do not align with the official rules governing interference in this specific context. The distinction made in the rules places emphasis on the runner's responsibility to avoid interfering with batted balls in play, thereby reinforcing proper