Ramírez leads the Guardians' comeback and forces a fifth game against the White Sox

Led by an inspired José Ramírez, the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox on Thursday to tie the series at 2-2 and force a fifth and decisive game in the American League Division Series playoffs of the Major League Baseball.

Dominican player Ramírez hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning and added an RBI single in the sixth, as Cleveland punished the opposing pitching staff to secure its second consecutive victory in Chicago after losing the first two games.

The Guardians prevented the White Sox from clinching a playoff berth at home for the first time since 1906.

Game 5 will be played Saturday in Cleveland.

"There's going to be incredible energy," Ramírez said.

The White Sox, looking to extend an unexpected season after posting three consecutive seasons with at least 100 losses, scored their first four runs via a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and two sacrifice flies.

Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run in the ninth inning to bring Chicago within striking distance, but Gavin Williams came in out of the bullpen and retired the final three batters to seal the victory.

The series winner will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, with a spot in the World Series on the line.

Tampa Bay swept the Yankees 3-0 and clinched its spot in the playoffs on Wednesday.