Bunt: out, fair ball, or hit batter?

Anonymous asked: Batter turns towards to the pitcher and attempts a bunt.

The ball slightly glances off the bat, and hits the batter on the shoulder. The ball then drops down to the plate and rolls about a foot into fair territory.

Is this a hit ball into play, an out (interference by batter), or a free base for a hit batter? The ump called it a ball in play.

Thanks!

Rick answered: Thank you for your question.

In the situation you have described, it would immediately become a dead ball, foul ball strike on the batter.

The same situation as a hitter fouling a ball off his foot.

Yours in baseball,

Rick