What happens when a pitcher intentionally drops a fair bunt in flight with runners on second and third?

When a pitcher intentionally drops a fair bunt in flight with runners on second and third, the ball is considered live and in play. This means that the defensive team can attempt to make a play on either the batter or the runners. A bunted ball that is fair is treated like any other fair ball because it is hit into the field of play, allowing the defense the opportunity to field the ball.

In this scenario, since the pitcher intentionally drops the ball, it does not change its status as a live ball. The batting team can advance the runners or attempt to reach base as the play unfolds. The act of dropping the ball does not render it a dead ball, nor does it automatically result in the batter being out. The status of the runners is also a factor, as they can advance based on the live ball situation. Thus, understanding that the ball remains live in this scenario is crucial for proper enforcement of the rules on the field.