During a softball game, what ruling applies when a base runner is hit by a batted ball before the ball passes an infielder?

When a base runner is hit by a batted ball before it passes an infielder, the ruling applied is that the ball is dead, and the base runner is out. The reason this is the correct answer is that the intent of baseball rules is to ensure fairness and safety during gameplay. If a batted ball strikes a runner before it has passed an infielder, the runner is considered to have interfered with the play. As a result, the play is halted (the ball is dead), and the batter is awarded first base. This ruling is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that players proceed through the bases without undue disruption.

In contrast, other options suggest that the ball remains in play or that different consequences occur without acknowledging the critical understanding that the ball is rendered dead in this situation.