Batted Ball with runners on base

Question
A batted ball strikes the 3rd base runner while in foul territory and not in contact with base,the batter runner never goes to first;she checks on team mate.  Defense argues that the baserunner is out and the batter runner should be awarded first.  The umpire rules foul ball and the batter is out. Which is correct?

Answer
Hi Jelliot,

If the runner was in foul territory and the ball was in foul territory when it struck the runner, we have a foul ball and the batter would be out if they had 2 strikes on them.  That sounds like what happened here.

If the batter had less than 2 strikes , it is simply a foul ball.

If the ball was fair and struck the runner in foul territory (deflected off 3rd base for example)and no fielder had a chance to make an out in the umpire's opinion, the runner would not be out but the ball would be live.  

If the ball was fair and struck the runner in foul territory (deflected off 3rd base for example)and in the umpire's judgement a fielder had an opportunity to make an out, the ball would be dead, 3rd base runner is out and b-r is awarded 1st base.

Mark