Playing their final game before the three-day South Atlantic League All-Star break, the Rome Braves suffered a 5-2 loss to Savannah on Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 2,755 at State Mutual Stadium.

It was the fifth straight loss for the last-place Braves, who closed out their first-half schedule with an 18-52 record -- the worst mark in the team's 10-year history in Rome (over a half season).

Final: Sand Gnats 5, Braves 2

The turning point: The Braves were facing a workable 2-1 deficit before the Sand Gnats broke the game open with three runs in the eighth inning to help secure a four-game sweep. Savannah’s Travis Taijeron provided the punch during the rally by connecting for a two-run homer, his 12th long ball of the season.

Who did what for Rome: The Braves had six players provide one hit each. Will Skinner’s double was the Braves’ only extra-base hit of the game.

On the mound: Ryan Weber took the loss

despite a strong outing. He worked seven innings and was charged with two runs (one earned) on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts.

Game notes: The Braves put a pair of

runners on base in the bottom of the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate, but the potential rally fizzled. ... The Braves' next game is Thursday night in Asheville, when the face the Tourists at 7:05 p.m.