TOKYO — Leandro and Mu Kanazaki scored as defending champion Kashima Antlers beat Shimizu S-Pulse 2-0 Saturday to stay top of the J-League.

Leandro put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute and Kanazaki sealed the win with his ninth goal of the season with four minutes left.

Kashima improved to 49 points, four ahead of Cerezo Osaka, which was held 1-1 by Jubilo Iwata.

Also, Kengo Nakamura and Yu Kobayashi scored to lead third-placed Kawasaki Frontale over Consadole Sapporo 2-1.

Junya Ito scored late in the second half as Kashiwa Reysol edged Gamba Osaka 1-0. Victor Ibarbo scored twice to lead Sagan Tosu to a 3-0 win over Omiya Ardija.

Kosei Shibasaki scored in the 71st as Sanfrecce Hiroshima beat Ventforet Kofu 1-0.