Gareth Roberts returned to the starting eleven at the expense of Keiron Freeman, but other than that Nigel Clough retained the starting line up from last weeks win over Middlesbrough.
The visitors certainly gave a good account of themselves in the opening half. Often when the Rams broke forward, the Rovers defence were equal to their efforts.
Coutts proved to be a nuisance down the right with John Brayford often providing the overlap, but for the majority of the opening half, Derby were left frustrated.
The deadlock was broken after 43 minutes when Fon Williams failed to hold an attempt by Coutts and as the ball trickled towards the goal line under his body, Ben Davies prodded the ball over the line.
Nine minutes into the restart, Connor Sammon doubled the Derby lead when he fired in from close range just to the right of the box.
John Brayford made it 3-0 after 63 minutes when he latched on to a loose ball whilst sat down in the box.
Jeff Hendrick added a fourth when he struck one in from the edge of the box and the game was over as a contest.
History was made in the 87th minute when 16 year old Mason Bennett became Derby's youngest ever goal scorer when he struck from twenty yards out.
Earlier Tranmere fans gave former Rovers player, Gareth Roberts a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Derby County: Legzdins; Brayford, Keogh, O'Brien, Roberts (Freeman 74); Coutts (Doyle 79), Hughes, Hendrick, Davies (Bennett 86); Jacobs, Sammon.
Subs Not Used: Fielding, O'Connor, Robinson, Tyson.
Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams; Holmes, Taylor, Palmer, Robinson (Black 74), McGurk, Bakayogo, Stockton, Power, O'Halloran, Daniels.
Subs Not Used: Mooney, Kay, Kirby, Harrison, Thompson, Goodison.
Man of the Match - Jeff Hendrick
Attendance: 11,740 (Approx 1,800 away fans)
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