What happens when a batted ball contacts the batter in the batter's box?

When a batted ball contacts the batter while inside the batter's box, the correct ruling is that the ball is ruled dead and no penalty is enforced. This is because the batter is considered to be within the protection of the batter's box, and any contact with a batted ball does not constitute a foul ball or a strike against the batter.

The situation indicates that the ball is effectively dead at the moment of contact with the batter, and since the batter has not swung at the pitch, no strikes or other penalties are assessed. Therefore, the runner remains in the same positions they were prior to the incident, and the play is treated as though the pitch did not occur.

This ruling is important for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that batters have a fair opportunity to hit without being penalized for incidental contact that occurs during their time in the batter's area.