Reuben Reid bagged a hat-trick in the Devon derby, earning 10-man Plymouth Argyle all three points against Exeter City.
Reid moved up to second in the league's goalscoring table with 15, netting the opener in the first half and two more in the second.
Plymouth went down to 10 men shortly after Reid converted his penalty in the 60th minute, as Birmingham City loanee Olly Lee was shown a straight red card for fighting.
Exeter, who equalised through Arron Davies on the stroke of half time, failed to take advantage with an extra man and instead conceded a third with just 20 minutes left.
The away victory moves Plymouth up to sixth in League Two, four points behind Wycombe Wanderers in third.
Exeter's defeat means they lose ground on the playoff places with two games in hand compared to the majority of the league.
