When a player loses control of the bat and it interferes with the defensive player, what is the ruling?

In the scenario where a player loses control of the bat and it interferes with a defensive player, the proper ruling is that the batter is declared out for interference, and the ball is dead. This ruling is based on the fundamental principle that a player should not hinder the defensive team's ability to make a play. When the bat is thrown or loses control and strikes a defensive player, it creates a situation where the defense's opportunity to make an out is compromised.

By declaring the batter out, the ruling upholds the integrity of the game, ensuring that interference that affects the outcome or flow of the play is appropriately penalized. The ball being declared dead also prevents any potential further confusion or disruption that might arise from continuing play after the interference. This maintains fairness in the game by penalizing the action that otherwise would give an advantage to the offense in a situation where the defense had a legitimate chance to make a play.