Hit and Miss

Question

Duncan drew a deep breath and tightened his grip around the bat as the ball shot toward him. Oh no, I think I'm going to miss this one too, he thought to himself. He swung his bat as hard as he could . . . and he missed. He was in the backyard with his friend Mario, who was helping him practice for the baseball tryouts at school the next day.
"I don't think I should even try, Mario, because I'm clearly not getting any better at this, and I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of a whole bunch of people tomorrow."
"I'm sure you'll do better with more practice, and if you want, I can stay for a while longer and help you."
"No, you should go home, Mario, but thanks for trying to help me."
After Mario left, Duncan went inside his house, looking miserable. His older brother Dwayne was sitting at the kitchen table, and when he saw Duncan's face, he asked what was wrong.
"The baseball team at school is having tryouts tomorrow and I really want to get in, but there's just one tiny problem: I'm terrible at baseball."
"Hey, that's not true and you know it. I've seen you swing the bat and you've got good skills, little brother. Come on, let's go back outside and I'll help you."
Reluctantly, Duncan followed Dwayne outside, but when Dwayne threw the ball, Duncan missed once again.
"You're overthinking this, Duncan, and I can see that in your face. Even before the ball reaches you, you're already assuming you're going to miss. Stop doubting yourself and swing with confidence."
Dwayne threw the ball again, and this time, Duncan managed to hit the ball, though he did not hit it hard enough.
"Well done, but let's try again, and this time, I want you to focus and clear your head. Don't think about anything except the ball that's coming toward you, okay?"
This time, Duncan swung his bat and sent the ball flying across the yard. He cheered and punched the air, as Dwayne looked on, laughing. They practiced for a while longer, and Duncan did not miss a single ball.
"Forget the school tryouts! I think I should just join one of the state baseball teams now," Duncan said to Dwayne, with a twinkle in his eye.
"That's the spirit, little brother!" Dwayne replied, patting Duncan on the back.
9
How does Dwayne contribute to the plot of the story?
A.
He promises Duncan that he would accompany him to the tryouts.
B.
He convinces Duncan to join one of the state baseball teams.
C.
He encourages Duncan to focus on the game and believe in himself.
D.
He helps Duncan get selected in the school's baseball team.

Answer 1

C. He encourages Duncan to focus on the game and believe in himself.