Based on what you are saying, if you need to add surface to the Fusion to be able to play in, and it doesn't strike, then it sounds like you need more core that will produce more flare. There is a good chance that the Fusion just is coming in behind the head pin because the core isn't facing up quick enough. Sounds like you like your Hyroad pearl for game three, so two possible solutions would be to wait for the Rocket that is coming out in February, or if you want to drill something now, a Hysteria with maybe a touch of surface (I would try it at box finish first though).