If B4 hits an infield fly and R1 crosses past R2 before the ball is caught, what is the ruling?

In situations involving an infield fly, the rule is designed to prevent the defense from exploiting the situation in a double play scenario, particularly if runners are forced to advance. When the infield fly rule is invoked, the moment the ball is declared as an infield fly, the ball becomes dead. This means that no further plays can occur until the situation is resolved.

In this case, R1 crossing past R2 before the ball is caught does not matter once the infield fly is called; the act of calling an infield fly means all runners are effectively in a state of limbo, and the play cannot continue. The ball being dead nullifies any advancements or outs that may have occurred as a result of the play.

Thus, the ruling that the ball is dead correctly reflects the outcome of the play once the infield fly is declared. It ensures that no further actions can be taken by either team until the umpire resumes the game with the appropriate next action.