@Midlo Dad posted:New Umpire,
In reading the rules you cite in your post, I don't come to the same conclusion you did. The delayed dead ball situation provided for in 5.1 is explicitly subordinate to the exception for the penalty clause in 7.3.5. Which means that if the penalty clause of 7.3.5 applies, you don't have a delayed dead ball. Under that penalty clause of 7.3.5, when there are two outs the batter is out, period.
Reading the two rules together indicates that the delayed dead ball situation applies only if there were fewer than two outs when the pitch was thrown.
If you disagree, could you explain why? Is there anything in the case book that illuminates this further?
There is no penalty enforced in 7.3.5 because the out was made at third. The penalty only comes into consideration if the result of the interference would have resulted in the runner safe at 3rd.
"if an out does not result at the end of the catcher’s throw, the ball shall become dead immediately."
7.3.5 reads in part ... "When an attempt to put out a runner at any other base is unsuccessful, the batter is out and all runners must return to bases occupied at the time of the pitch"
The key here is the word "unsuccessful".
2020 Case Book 7.3.5 Situation A: With R2 going to 3rd B2 steps across home plate to hinder F2 who is fielding the ball or attempting to throw to third.
Ruling: If R2 is tagged out despite the hinderance, the interference is ignored, and with less than 2 outs, the ball remains live. If R2 is not tagged out, B2 is declared out and when there are less than 2 outs the ball becomes dead immediately and all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
I hope this helps.