Starter Zach Eflin put forth a solid performance to secure his first win of the season, while Isaac Paredes smashed a three-run homer to propel the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Eflin, who had been the Opening Day starter, made his second start and conceded just one run over 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out five, issued one walk, and delivered 56 of his 83 pitches for strikes.

Paredes delivered a crucial blow with his homer in the fifth inning, contributing to a four-run outburst that helped the Rays level their record through six games.

Harold Ramirez and Curtis Mead each collected two singles for the Rays.

Despite two RBI singles from Texas’ Jonah Heim and a pair of hits from Jared Walsh, the Rangers suffered their first road defeat in 13 outings, dating back to last season’s playoffs and eventual World Series victory.

In his season debut, Andrew Heaney pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out seven without issuing a walk.

During the third inning, Jose Caballero was hit by a pitch and subsequently stole second base, although the Rangers’ challenge of the safe call was unsuccessful. Rays’ leadoff hitter Yandy Diaz then capitalized with a single off Heaney’s glove, driving in a run.

Eflin held the Rangers’ potent lineup in check through the first five innings, facing just three batters over the minimum, with only a double to Josh Smith, a walk to Marcus Semien, and a single to Wyatt Langford.

Tampa Bay extended their lead with four unearned runs after a dropped popup by first baseman Walsh with two outs and the bases empty.

Randy Arozarena later contributed an RBI single off reliever Yerry Rodriguez before Paredes added his second home run, a 363-foot shot to left field that ricocheted off the foul pole, extending the Rays’ lead to 5-0.

Texas managed to score a run off Eflin in the seventh inning on Heim’s hit and added another in the ninth off closer Pete Fairbanks. Although the Rangers had the tying run at the plate with two outs, Fairbanks induced a long flyout to left from Leody Taveras, sealing the victory for the Rays.