The Black Cats fell a goal down when Reo Griffiths opened the scoring with a low shot in the 22nd minute.
Doncaster then doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time after Sunderland failed to clear a corner and Tommy Rowe fired home a second.
Sunderland did create better chances after the break, and brought on Jermain Defoe with just under 20 minutes to go.
Corry Evans pulled a late goal back but it was too little too late.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Sunderland player fared:
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Sunderland did create better chances after the break, and brought on Jermain Defoe with just under 20 minutes to go.
5. Lynden Gooch - 4
Looked better when moved to a more natural left wing position at the start of the second half. Played with energy and ran relentlessly, but produced little. 4 Photo: JPI Media
6. Corry Evans - 4
Scored a late consolation but didn’t have much of an impact in or out of possession through the game. 4 Photo: JPI Media
7. Dan Neil - 4
Did improve in the second half and drew an excellent save from Mitchell, but struggled in the first. Is short on confidence and looked like he could do with a rest to take stock and go again after a brilliant season so far. 4 Photo: JPI Media
8. Dennis Cirkin - 4
Struggled to impose himself on the game, looks short of confidence and in need of a rest. Unfortunately Sunderland’s January business means there isn’t much of an alternative. 4 Photo: JPI Media