Hiroshima closes in on 1st J-League title

HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) -Sanfrecce Hiroshima moved a step closer to its first J-League title with a 3-0 win over relegated Consadole Sapporo on Wednesday.

Koji Morisaki and Hisato Sato scored first-half goals and Hiroki Mizumoto sealed the win on a header in the 85th minute as Hiroshima improved to 58 points, two ahead of Vegalta Sendai with three matches left.

Sendai was held to 1-1 at home by Cerezo Osaka.

Also, Brazilian Renato scored a hat trick as Kawasaki Frontale beat third-placed Urawa Reds 4-2 while Marcus Tulio Tanaka scored in the 30th minute as Nagoya Grampus beat FC Tokyo 1-0. Urawa lead Nagoya on goal difference.

Albirex Niigata defeated Shimizu S-Pulse 1-0 while Yokohama F Marinos beat Vissel Kobe 2-1.

Elsewhere, Brazilian Leandro scored his second goal of the match in the final minute as relegation-threatened Gamba Osaka earned a 2-2 draw with Kashiwa Reysol. Masato Kudo scored both goals for Kashiwa. The result kept Gamba third-from-bottom and two points adrift of safety.

Gamba and Niigata have 34 points, while Kobe has 36.

Kashima Antlers drew 0-0 away to Omiya Ardija while Sagan Tosu beat Jubilo Iwata 3-2.