Rotherham defender Michael Ihiekwe opened the scoring when he headed home a corner in the first half, while Sunderland struggled to create chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Alex Neil made some attacking substitutions in the second half, with Alex Pritchard, Jack Clarke and Elliot Embleton entering the fray.
Yet it took until the 88th minute for the hosts to draw level when Ihiekwe headed Clarke’s cross into his own net.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at the Stadium of Light:
1. Anthony Patterson - 7
Kept his side level in the first half with two superb saves from Sam Nombe. Nothing he could do about Clucas’ brilliant strike at the start of the second half. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Jenson Seelt - 5
Defensively was rarely troubled through the contest but was too tentative in possession, with too much of the ball Sunderland had moved between the back four. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Dan Ballard - 6
Defended well in the air from open play and went close with one long-range effort. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Luke O’Nien - 6
Defended well in the air against Hugill and then Eaves. Didn’t have much in the way of movement in front of him to start attacks. 6 Photo: Frank Reid