RIO DE JANEIRO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Former Wolfsburg forward Bruno Henrique scored a hat-trick as Santos defeated Bahia 3-0 in Brazil's Serie A championship on Sunday.
The 26-year-old netted just before the half-hour mark before adding two more goals either side of halftime at the Pacaembu stadium.
Santos rose to third in the standings with 30 points from 16 matches while Bahia slid to 14 with 19 points.
In Sao Paulo, defending champions Palmeiras beat Sport Recife 2-0, courtesy of goals from Bruno Corsini and Keno.
Leaders Corinthians beat Fluminense 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro after a second-half strike from Fabian Balbuena.
In other matches on Sunday, Ponte Preta won 2-0 at Atletico Paranaense, Avai defeated Cruzeiro 1-0, Botafogo drew 1-1 at Atletico Goianiense and Vasco da Gama won 2-1 at Atletico Mineiro.
