What is the result if a spectator interferes with a fair ball picked up in live-ball territory?

When a spectator interferes with a fair ball in live-ball territory, the play is affected in a specific way that generally gives consideration to the actions of the players involved. The correct outcome is that when a ball is interfered with by a spectator, the runners are awarded the bases they would have reached had the interference not occurred. This means that the play continues with an understanding of the trajectory and potential outcome of the play, recognizing that the interference from an outside party (i.e., the spectator) was beyond the control of the players on the field.

This rule is designed to maintain fairness in the game by ensuring that players are not penalized for an unexpected event outside their control. Therefore, the ruling reflects the principle that the runners should advance based on the situation as it would have unfolded if the interference hadn’t happened. The other options do not apply because they either suggest dead ball situations or do not consider the impact of the interference on the runners' progression effectively.