Runs one to check pin (5)
I believe the answer is:
rivet
'pin' is the definition.
(rivet is a kind of pin)
'runs one to check' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'to check' becomes 'vet' (I've seen this before).
'r'+'i'+'vet'='RIVET'
(Other definitions for rivet that I've seen before include "Type of fastening" , "Steel-plate pin" , "Metal fixing pin" , "join securely" , "Pin for joining metal" .)