Infield fly rule is in effect under which condition?

• A. It is in effect only with two outs.
• B. It is in effect with fewer than two outs and runners on first and second.
• C. It is in effect with fewer than two outs and bases loaded.
• D. It is never in effect.

Answer: (B)

The infield fly rule is used to prevent a double (or triple) play on a pop-up by automatically calling an out when a catchable ball could be easily handled by infielders with fewer than two outs. In the situation described, there are fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, so the rule is in effect. When declared, the batter is out, and the ball is live; runners may advance at their own risk, and the defense cannot force the runners into a double play on that pop-up. This is the condition the item is highlighting.

Why the other options don’t fit: having two outs means the rule isn’t in effect, so the first option is incorrect. The bases loaded scenario is also covered by the rule in real play, but this item emphasizes the first-and-second situation, making that option less representative of the scenario described. And saying it’s never in effect is simply wrong.