The Infield Fly rule prevents defenses from purposly dropping a fly ball in order to get a double play. It applies when there are runners on 1st & 2nd OR with the bases loaded, AND less than two out. When an infield fly is called by the umpire, the batter is automatically out, regardless of whether to fly ball is caught or not. The runners can then advance at their own risk. This prevents an infielder from dropping the ball on purpose and quickly throwing to 3rd and 2nd to force-out the runners and get a double play.
The I/F rule only applies on fair balls hit in or near the infield that are judged by the umpire to be routine (i.e. can't miss) catches.
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