MINNEAPOLIS — DJ Stewart hit a two-run double in the ninth inning and the New York Mets overcame a career-high 14 strikeouts by Minnesota starter Pablo López to beat the Twins 2-0 on Sunday and avoid a three-game sweep.

López went eight innings for the Twins, who began the day with a 7 1/2-game lead in the AL Central over Cleveland.

Stewart doubled to right-center off reliever Griffin Jax (6-9), who took over for López in the ninth. Francisco Lindor led off with a bloop double and Jeff McNeil was hit by a pitch — the third time a Mets batter was plunked in the game. Stewart connected on a full count two batters later.

“I knew he was a good pitcher, but he left one over the plate for me to hit,” said Stewart, who returned Saturday after missing three games with lower back stiffness. “I don’t get that situation if (Lindor) doesn’t hustle out of the box.”