3-man Mechanics Question

[chuckfan1]

My playoff game wasnt til a day later, so went and watched another game. Saw a play where there was almost no umpire at the base to make the call.

No one on. Batter hits a chopper down 3rd base line. F5, behind the bag reaches up, ball caroms off his glove, into foul territory, towards the fence/dugout/spectators. U3 stayed with the ball and F5, following it over to the potential trouble area. The ball never went out of play.

BR tried for 2nd. U3 had no chance obviously to get over there. U1 was late recognizing the situation, and ended up hightailing it behind BR to try and get over to 2nd. U1 ended up making a safe call, several feet behind, on the run still. The play wasnt close, BR was safe. But couldve been a sh*thouse.

Heres where I disagree with a buddy...
He says U3 after pointing it fair, shouldve busted in, and take BR to 2nd, and let PU follow the ball, for any potential trouble.

I say, since U3 is right there, stay with the ball/F5 (ala "going out") and PU and U1 revert to 2-man.

What say you?