What happens when R3 interferes with F5 while attempting to catch a foul fly ball?

When R3 interferes with F5 while attempting to catch a foul fly ball, the situation is considered a violation of the rules regarding interference. In this context, interference occurs when a runner hinders or obstructs a fielder's opportunity to make a play on the ball.

Since F5 is attempting to make a play on a foul ball and is interfered with by R3, the ball is immediately declared dead. This is significant because it prevents any further play from continuing, which ensures that the fielder's rights are protected when trying to make a catch.

Furthermore, in this scenario, the ruling indicates that the interference directly affects the outcome of the play, as it limits the fielder's ability to catch the ball. Thus, the correct ruling is that the ball is dead immediately, stopping any further action on the field until the situation can be resolved.

The options concerning the ball remaining in play, R3 being awarded a base, or penalizing F5 for interference do not align with the established rules governing interference in this particular situation, making them less applicable.