Ross Stewart scored twice from the penalty spot to help Alex Neil claim his first victory since taking charge at Sunderland.
The Black Cats took the lead against second-placed Wigan inside the first two minutes through centre-back Bailey Wright.
And Stewart won and converted the first penalty shortly before half-time, before tucking away the second late in the game after Latics skipper Tendayi Darikwa had handled inside the box.
Those goals took Stewart's tally for the season to 22, as Sunderland completed a league double against the automatic promotion chasers.
But more importantly, it ended Sunderland's six-game winless streak and lifted them to fifth in the table, reigniting what had looked like a stalling play-off challenge.
Neil made two changes to the side that started the midweek draw against Burton, including handing Arbenit Xhemajli his League One debut in central defence at the expense of Callum Doyle, who was rested and did not even feature on the bench.
The second change saw Elliot Embleton return to the starting XI and he he replaced Jermain Defoe, who was named amongst the substitutes.
Wigan boss Leam Richardson made one change to the side that started his side's win at Wycombe on Tuesday, with Gwion Edwards replacing Gavin Massey.
Sunderland made the perfect start, taking the lead from a set-piece from what was the first attack of the match.
Alex Pritchard was brought down outside the right-hand corner of the box and he took the resulting free-kick, with his delivery into the box finding Wright six yards out and he guided his glancing header inside the left-hand post.
It was just the lift Sunderland needed, and the 5,000 travelling fans behind that goal erupted when the ball hit the net.
Wigan
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