Torquay were without their two first choice centre-backs and had also seen on-loan keeper Phil Barnes recalled by his club Sheffield United in the build up to the game at Oakwell.
And they proved to be no match for the South Yorkshire side eager to make up for a desperately disappointing derby defeat at Doncaster a few days earlier.
After going close early on Barnsley eventually made the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Republic of Ireland international Stephen McPhail curled a delightful 25-yard free kick into the bottom corner, giving Torquay's debutant keeper Paul Jarvie no chance.
Just two minutes later it was double trouble for Torquay, when Michael Chopra slammed in his 13th goal of the season. And on the half hour mark Barnsley skipper Paul Reid drilled in the third from close range.
Torquay were well out of it and were limited in their approach and it proved to be a comfy ride for the home side giving a debut to midfielder Simon Johnson, on loan from Leeds.
And it was Johnson who delivered the fine 64th minute cross for Michael Boulding to head in the fourth.
To their credit Torquay kept plugging away and notched a late consolation goal in the 88th minute through their substitute Martin Phillips.