What is the correct ruling when a ball hits a fielder’s gear and then rolls into dead-ball territory?

When a ball hits a fielder’s gear and subsequently rolls into dead-ball territory, the ruling is that all runners are awarded two bases from where the pitch occurred. This is based on the principle that the ball becoming dead due to interference or obstruction from a player's equipment warrants the advancement of runners beyond their current positions.

In this scenario, the term 'dead-ball territory' refers to an area where play cannot continue because the ball is rendered inactive. The ruling seeks to maintain fairness in the game by allowing base runners to advance as they would normally expect when the ball goes into an area that is considered out of play due to such interference.

The other options do not accurately reflect the rules governing this situation. For instance, the awarding of just one base or sending runners back would not appropriately address the impact of a fielder's equipment on the play, as it would unfairly penalize the runners. Similarly, saying no bases are awarded would disregard the need for an equitable response to the disruption caused by the fielder’s gear. Thus, understanding why two bases are awarded not only aligns with the regulatory framework but also ensures that the gameplay maintains its integrity.