What should happen if a spectator leans over to deflect a batted ball that could have been caught by a fielder?

If a spectator leans over to deflect a batted ball that could have been caught by a fielder, the ball is considered dead, and the batter is ruled out. This outcome is based on the principle of maintaining fairness in the game. When a spectator interferes with play in a manner that impacts the fielder's ability to make a play on the ball, it is treated as interference, which halts the game and results in the batter being out. This rule helps to preserve the integrity of the game by ensuring that players are not disadvantaged by outside factors, such as the actions of spectators. In this situation, the involvement of the spectator directly obstructs the fielder's opportunity to execute a defensive play, leading to the appropriate enforcement of the rules.