In the situation where R2 is on second base and a shinguard prevents the ball from entering the dead-ball area, what is the ruling?

In this scenario, when a shinguard prevents the ball from entering the dead-ball area, the correct ruling is that the runner on second base is awarded home, and the batter is awarded second base. This is because the ball becoming dead due to interference caused by a player’s equipment allows the runners to be advanced based on their positions at the time of the incident.

In this specific case, the shinguard's interference serves as a situation that results in a dead ball, but it also provides an opportunity to advance the bases due to the nature of the interference. By rule, runners are awarded bases when such events occur to maintain the fairness of play and to penalize the action that caused the obstruction.

Other choices suggest different outcomes that do not align with the rules governing such circumstances. The ruling emphasizes the importance of recognizing player interference and the implications it has for runner advancement.